Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
श्रीभगवानुवाच न वै शूरा विकत्थन्ते दर्शयन्त्येव पौरुषम् । न गृह्णीमो वचो राजन्नातुरस्य मुमूर्षत: ॥ १९ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca na vai śūrā vikatthante darśayanty eva pauruṣam na gṛhṇīmo vaco rājann āturasya mumūrṣataḥ
Der Höchste Herr sprach: Wahre Helden prahlen nicht mit Worten, sondern zeigen ihre Tapferkeit durch Taten. O König, die Rede dessen, der in Angst den Tod begehrt, nehmen Wir nicht ernst.
This verse says that genuine heroes do not brag; they prove their courage through action and restraint.
Krishna dismisses Jarāsandha’s heated, threatening speech as the talk of someone distressed and nearing defeat, emphasizing that real valor is shown by deeds, not loud claims.
Avoid self-promotion and angry posturing; let competence, integrity, and calm action demonstrate your strength—especially under pressure.