Shloka 17
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
कुलीना वाक्यसम्पन्ना ज्ञानविज्ञानकोविदा: । रूपवन्तो गुणोपेतास्तथा5लुब्धा जितश्रमा:
kulīnā vākyasampannā jñānavijñānakovidāḥ | rūpavanto guṇopetās tathā alubdhā jitśramāḥ ||
Bhishma dit : «Qu’un roi choisisse pour amis des hommes de noble lignée et accomplis dans la parole; versés dans le savoir et le discernement pratique; beaux et pourvus de vertus; exempts d’avidité et infatigables dans l’effort. De tels compagnons—droits, capables et réputés—soutiennent le dharma du roi par un conseil sûr, un service constant et une retenue morale, non par un gain égoïste.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should form close alliances only with people of proven character—noble conduct, articulate counsel, learned and practically wise, virtuous, non-greedy, and tireless—because such friends strengthen righteous governance and prevent corruption driven by self-interest.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance and dharma, Bhishma is advising the king (Yudhishthira in the broader context) about the criteria for selecting trustworthy friends and associates, emphasizing moral and intellectual qualifications over mere advantage.