Shloka 38
Śara-śayyā-sthita-bhīṣma-saṃvāda-prastāvaḥ
The Prelude to Questioning Bhīṣma on the Bed of Arrows
अप्रतिब्रुवतः कष्टो दोषो हि भविता प्रभो
apratibruvataḥ kaṣṭo doṣo hi bhavitā prabho
O Lord, if one does not speak up in reply—does not offer a clear response or correction—then a grave fault is sure to arise.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Silence in the face of a situation that demands a response—especially when correction, clarification, or rightful counsel is needed—can itself become a moral fault. One should speak responsibly to prevent wrongdoing or misunderstanding.
Vāyudeva addresses a superior as “prabho” and warns that failing to answer or speak in response will lead to a serious blameworthy outcome, emphasizing the ethical duty to respond when dharma requires it.