Shloka 71
पापात्म-धर्मात्म-लक्षणम् तथा निर्वेदेन मोक्षमार्गः | Marks of the Sinful and the Righteous; Dispassion (Nirveda) as a Path to Liberation
बन्धूनां सुह्दां चैव भृत्यानां स्त्रीजनस्य च । अव्यक्तेष्वपरा धेषु चिरकारी प्रशस्यते
bandhūnāṃ suhṛdāṃ caiva bhṛtyānāṃ strījanasya ca | avyakteṣv aparādheṣu cirakārī praśasyate ||
When dealing with the concealed faults of one’s relatives, well-wishers, servants, and women of the household, the person who does not rush to judgment but deliberates carefully over time is the one worthy of praise.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not decide hastily in cases of concealed or unclear wrongdoing—especially involving close relations and dependents. A dharmic person investigates, reflects, and acts only after careful deliberation.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhishma advises Yudhishthira on prudent judgment: when alleged faults are hidden or uncertain within one’s household and circle, patience and thoughtful inquiry are praised over impulsive action.