Conscience

Flouting conscience, loathing it,
saying “I’m on your side”,
but not following up in deeds—
know they’re not on your side.

Some say nice things to their friends
without following it up.
The wise will recognize
one who talks without doing.

No true friend relentlessly
suspects betrayal, looking for fault.
One on whom you rest, like a child on the breast,
is a true friend, not split from you by others.

One whose reward is the fruit
of bearing the burden of service
develops a happy state,
producing joy and attracting praise.

One who has drunk the nectar of seclusion
and the nectar of peace,
free of stress, free of evil,
drinks the joyous nectar of Dhamma.