Shloka 19
The Slaying of Śālva and the Destruction of Saubha
श्रीभगवानुवाच वृथा त्वं कत्थसे मन्द न पश्यस्यन्तिकेऽन्तकम् । पौरुषं दर्शयन्ति स्म शूरा न बहुभाषिण: ॥ १९ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca vṛthā tvaṁ katthase manda na paśyasy antike ’ntakam paurusaṁ darśayanti sma śūrā na bahu-bhāṣiṇaḥ
The Supreme Lord said: “Foolish one, you boast in vain, for you do not see death standing near. True heroes do not speak much; by their deeds they reveal their valor.”
FAQs
This verse condemns empty boasting, reminding that death is near and that real greatness is proven through conduct, not excessive speech.
In the battle narrative of Canto 10, Krishna rebukes the opponent’s arrogance, warning that time and death are imminent and cannot be avoided by mere bravado.
Avoid self-promotion and hollow claims; focus on disciplined action, integrity, and humility, remembering life’s uncertainty.