Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 24
Brahmā Worships Vāmana; the Demons Attack; Bali is Bound and Questioned About the Third Step
एतान् वयं विजेष्यामो यदि दैवं प्रसीदति । तस्मात् कालं प्रतीक्षध्वं यो नोऽर्थत्वाय कल्पते ॥ २४ ॥
etān vayaṁ vijeṣyāmo yadi daivaṁ prasīdati tasmāt kālaṁ pratīkṣadhvaṁ yo no ’rthatvāya kalpate
Unless providence is in our favor, we shall not be able to gain victory. Therefore we must wait for that favorable time when our defeating them will be possible.
FAQs
This verse teaches that success depends on favorable time and providence; therefore one should act strategically and patiently, waiting until conditions support the goal.
In the context of the demigods and demons’ conflict, Bali advises restraint: victory is possible when daiva (providence) is favorable, so they should pause and act when the moment becomes advantageous.
Do your duty with intelligence, but don’t force outcomes—assess timing, stay steady under setbacks, and act when circumstances align rather than reacting impulsively.