Shloka 46
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
श्रेष्ठो हि पण्डित: शत्रुर्न च मित्रमपण्डित:
śreṣṭho hi paṇḍitaḥ śatrur na ca mitram apaṇḍitaḥ
Bhīṣma said: “Even an enemy who is wise is preferable; a foolish person is not truly a friend.” The saying underscores that sound judgment and discernment are more reliable for one’s welfare than mere affection without understanding, since folly—though clothed as friendship—can lead to harm and adharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Discernment matters more than labels like ‘friend’ or ‘enemy’: a wise adversary may act predictably and within reason, while a foolish friend can cause unintended damage through poor judgment, leading one away from dharma and well-being.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on righteous conduct and practical ethics after the war. This verse appears as a concise maxim within that counsel, emphasizing the value of wisdom in relationships and decision-making.