Shloka 24
The Appearance and Coronation of King Pṛthu (Pṛthu-avatāra) and His Humble Refusal of Premature Praise
महद्गुणानात्मनि कर्तुमीश: क: स्तावकै: स्तावयतेऽसतोऽपि । तेऽस्याभविष्यन्निति विप्रलब्धो जनावहासं कुमतिर्न वेद ॥ २४ ॥
mahad-guṇān ātmani kartum īśaḥ kaḥ stāvakaiḥ stāvayate ’sato ’pi te ’syābhaviṣyann iti vipralabdho janāvahāsaṁ kumatir na veda
How could a truly intelligent man, fit to possess such exalted qualities, allow his followers to praise him if those qualities are not actually present? To praise someone by saying, “In the future he will become so,” is mere deception; and the fool who accepts it does not know that such words make him a laughingstock among men.
Pṛthu Mahārāja was an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as Lord Brahmā and other demigods had already testified when they had presented the King with many heavenly gifts. Because he had just been coronated, however, he could not manifest his godly qualities in action. Therefore he was not willing to accept the praise of the devotees. So-called incarnations of Godhead should therefore take lessons from the behavior of King Pṛthu. Demons without godly qualities should not accept false praise from their followers.
FAQs
This verse warns that being pleased by flatterers is delusion; thinking “they will be mine,” a foolish person becomes an object of ridicule, while the Supreme Lord needs no external praise to possess greatness.
To show that God’s greatness is intrinsic—He can manifest all noble qualities by His own potency—so praise from insincere people adds nothing, and chasing such approval misleads the conditioned soul.
Avoid making decisions for applause or social approval; seek sincere counsel, cultivate humility, and focus on genuine devotional service rather than image-building and ego-driven validation.