Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
न ह्येतस्मिन्कुले कश्चिन्नि:सत्त्व: कृपण: पुमान् । प्रत्याख्याता प्रतिश्रुत्य यो वादाता द्विजातये ॥ ३ ॥
na hy etasmin kule kaścin niḥsattvaḥ kṛpaṇaḥ pumān pratyākhyātā pratiśrutya yo vādātā dvijātaye
En tu linaje, hasta hoy, no ha nacido nadie de ánimo vil ni avaro. Nadie ha rehusado dar caridad a los brāhmaṇas; y, tras prometerla, nadie ha faltado a su palabra.
FAQs
This verse praises a noble dynasty as one where no one reneges after promising—especially regarding giving charity to a brāhmaṇa—highlighting truthfulness and generosity as core dharmic virtues.
Vāmana, approaching Bali for alms, invoked the king’s lineage and reputation to affirm that Bali would not withdraw a promised gift—setting the moral frame for Bali’s famous vow in the Vāmana-līlā.
Be trustworthy: avoid making casual promises, and once you commit—especially to supporting worthy causes or spiritual service—follow through with integrity and a generous heart.