Shloka 172
Śuka’s Guṇa-Transcendence and Vyāsa’s Consolation (शुकगति-वर्णनम्)
कुले महति जातेन ह्वीमता दीर्घदर्शिना । नैतत्सदसि वक्तव्यं सद्वाउसद्वा मिथ: कृतम्
kule mahati jātena hrīmatā dīrghadarśinā | naitat sadasi vaktavyaṃ sad vā asad vā mithaḥ kṛtam ||
Bhishma said: “You are born in a great lineage, endowed with modesty and far-sighted judgment. Therefore, what has been done between us—whether good or ill—should not be spoken of in this full assembly.”
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when there are personal grievances or mutual wrongs, a wise and modest person should maintain decorum: private matters—whether praise or blame—should not be aired in a public assembly, where speech can inflame conflict and damage dignity.
Bhishma addresses a respected person in a crowded court, urging restraint. He advises that whatever good or bad has occurred between them should not be discussed openly before the assembly, emphasizing prudence and the ethics of speech.