Shloka 92
Śuka’s Guṇa-Transcendence and Vyāsa’s Consolation (शुकगति-वर्णनम्)
वक्तव्ये तु यदा वक्ता श्रोतारमवमन्य वै । स्वार्थमाह परार्थ तत् तदा वाक््यं न रोहति
vaktavye tu yadā vaktā śrotāram avamanyate vai | svārtham āha parārthaṃ tat tadā vākyaṃ na rohati ||
Bhīṣma said: When a speaker, even while speaking on a matter that ought to be spoken, treats the listener with contempt and delivers words for his own advantage under the guise of serving another’s good, then that speech does not take root—it fails to bear ethical fruit or win true acceptance.
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speech becomes effective only when it is grounded in respect and sincere intention. If a speaker belittles the listener and advances self-interest while pretending to speak for another’s welfare, the words fail to ‘take root’—they do not persuade, reform, or yield dharmic results.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and conduct, Bhīṣma continues advising on ethical communication and counsel. He explains why certain advice, even if outwardly appropriate, becomes fruitless when delivered with contempt and ulterior motive.