Shloka 17
Dhaumya’s Counsel on Incognito Conduct in a Royal Household (राजवसतौ आचरण-निति)
असूयन्ति हि राजानो जनाननृतवादिन: । तथैव चावमन्यन्ते मन्त्रिणं वादिनं मृषा,झूठ बोलनेवाले मनुष्योंके प्रति राजालोग दोषदृष्टि कर लेते हैं। इसी प्रकार वे मिथ्यावादी मन्त्रीका भी अपमान करते हैं
asūyanti hi rājāno janān anṛtavādinaḥ | tathaiva cāvamanyante mantriṇaṃ vādinaṃ mṛṣā ||
Pues los reyes miran con recelo y afán de reproche a quienes dicen falsedades; del mismo modo, desprecian al consejero que habla con mentira. Este verso encierra una advertencia ética y política: la veracidad es indispensable no sólo para los súbditos, sino sobre todo para los ministros, cuya credibilidad sostiene la confianza real y el buen gobierno.
धौग्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Truthfulness is a foundation of trust in public life: rulers naturally distrust and censure liars, and a minister who speaks falsely loses honor and credibility, undermining sound governance.
Dhaumya is giving practical counsel about conduct at court, warning that false speech—especially from an adviser—invites royal suspicion and contempt, and therefore should be avoided.