Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 42
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
अथैतत् पूर्णमभ्यात्मं यच्च नेत्यनृतं वच: । सर्वं नेत्यनृतं ब्रूयात् स दुष्कीर्ति: श्वसन्मृत: ॥ ४२ ॥
athaitat pūrṇam abhyātmaṁ yac ca nety anṛtaṁ vacaḥ sarvaṁ nety anṛtaṁ brūyāt sa duṣkīrtiḥ śvasan mṛtaḥ
因此，最稳妥的做法是说“没有”。虽是虚妄之言，却能周全自护，引他人怜悯归向自身，并使从他人处聚敛财物更为便利。然而，若常常推说“我一无所有”，便受谴责；此人活着如同死尸，纵在呼吸也仿佛应被除去。
Beggars always present themselves as possessing nothing, and this may be very good for them because in this way they are assured of not losing their money and of always drawing the attention and compassion of others for the sake of collection. But this is also condemned. If one purposely continues this professional begging, he is supposed to be dead while breathing, or, according to another interpretation, such a man of falsity should be killed while still breathing. The Vedic injunction in this regard is as follows: athaitat pūrṇam abhyātmaṁ yan neti sa yat sarvaṁ neti brūyāt pāpikāsya kīrtir jāyate. sainaṁ tatraiva hanyāt. If one continuously poses himself as possessing nothing and collects money by begging, he should be killed ( sainaṁ tatraiva hanyāt ).
FAQs
This verse teaches that untruthful speech should not be spoken; habitual lying leads to disgrace and makes one spiritually and socially “dead” even while alive.
In the flow of Canto 8’s dharmic instruction around the devas and asuras, Śukadeva highlights satya as a foundational inner discipline (abhyātma) that preserves integrity and supports spiritual life.
Practice truthful, responsible speech—avoid exaggeration and deception—because credibility and character are quickly lost through habitual lying.