Shloka 17
Vāmadeva’s Rājadharma: Norm-Setting, Counsel, and the Prevention of Rāṣṭra-Vināśa (वामदेव-प्रोक्तं राजधर्मम्)
त्यक्तोदात्तं मद्यरतं द्यूतस्त्रीमूगयापरम् । कार्य महति युञ्जानो हीयते नृपति: श्रिया
tyaktodāttaṁ madyarataṁ dyūtastrīmṛgayāparam | kārye mahati yuñjāno hīyate nṛpatiḥ śriyā ||
瓦摩提婆说道：若国王把重大而艰巨的政事托付给一个已弃绝高尚行止之人——嗜酒、沉迷赌博、耽于女色并迷恋狩猎——则此王必将衰损，失却吉祥与富贵（Śrī）。此偈警示：公共权柄与重任不可交于放纵之徒；如此任用，必蚀坏政道，亦败损国运。
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s prosperity and stability depend on appointing worthy, disciplined people to important duties; entrusting major responsibilities to those ruled by addictions and sensual pursuits leads to decline and loss of fortune.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, the sage Vāmadeva advises about statecraft and the qualities required in those who handle major affairs, warning the king against empowering vice-driven individuals.