Thus have I heard — at one time the Blessed One was wandering on tour among the Kosalans together with a large community of bhikkhus. Now, at that time, several young brāhmaṇas were passing by not far from the Blessed One in a mocking manner. The Blessed One saw the group of young brāhmaṇas passing by at a distance, appearing to be mocking.

Then, understanding the significance of this, the Blessed One at that time expressed this inspired utterance:

"While being muddle-minded, they talk as if wise, speaking merely in the realm of words; Stretching their mouths as much as they want, are led on by what they don't understand."