Long is the night for one who is staying awake, long is a yojana for one who is tired; Long is the transmigration for the immature, those who do not understand the true Dhamma.

If, while wandering, one does not find, a companion who is better or equal; One should steadfastly pursue a solitary life, there is no fellowship with the immature.

"These are my children, this is my wealth," with such thoughts the immature person is afflicted; One's self is not even one's own, how then, can there be sons? How then, can there be wealth?

The immature person who knows his immaturity, is wise to that extent; The immature person who believes they are wise, is truly said to be "immature."

Even if for a whole lifetime, an immature person, associates closely with a wise person; They do not understand the Dhamma, just as a spoon does not know the taste of soup.

Even if for only a moment, a discerning person, associates closely with a wise person; They swiftly understand the Dhamma, just as the tongue knows the taste of soup.

Immature persons who lack discernment, act as their own enemies; Performing harmful deeds, which bear bitter fruits.

That action is not well done, which, having done, one later regrets; With a tearful face, one weeps, experiencing its result.

And that action is well done, which, having done, one does not regret; One is satisfied and cheerful, experiencing its result.

An immature person conceives it is like honey, until the misdeed does not ripen; but when the misdeed ripens, then they fall into suffering.

Month after month, an immature person may eat their food, with the tip of a grass blade; Yet compared to one who has comprehended the Dhamma, they are not worth a sixteenth part.

Indeed, an injurious action, once performed, does not solidify quickly, like fresh milk thickening; Smoldering, it shadows the immature person, like fire hidden beneath ashes.

Only for the sake of harm, does knowledge arise in an immature person; It afflicts their good fortune, and shatters their head.

One might wish for undeserved reputation, and precedence among the bhikkhus; Authority over dwelling places, and veneration from other households.

Let both householders and renunciants think, "This was done by me alone," Let them be dependent on me, in all matters whether important or trivial; Such is the conception of an immature person, their longings and pride only grow.

For the pursuit of acquisitions is one thing, and the path to Nibbāna is another; Experientially understanding this, a bhikkhu, a disciple of the Buddha; Should not take delight in respect, but should cultivate seclusion.