snp.2.3 Suttanipata

“Conscience” and so on

Though this person says “I am your friend”,
nothing’s done for you as comrade would,
but bereft of conscience, e’en despising you:
as “not one of mine” this person should be known.

Who uses pleasant words to friends
but does not act accordingly,
wise people understand like this:
“a speaker not a doer.”

That one’s no friend who diligently
seeks your faults, desiring strife;
but with whom one rests, as child on breast,
is friend indeed who none can part.

One who causes states of joy,
who brings praiseworthy happiness,
who’s grown the Fruits’ advantages,
the human burden bears.

Having drunk of solitude
and tasted Peace sublime,
free from sorrow, evil-free,
one savour: Dharma’s joy.

- Translator: Laurence Khantipalo Mills

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Conscientious Companionship

Flouting conscience, loathing it,
saying “I’m on your side”,
but not following up in deeds—
know they’re not on your side.
Some say nice things to their friends
without following it up.
The wise will recognize
one who talks without doing.
No true friend relentlessly
suspects betrayal, looking for fault.
One on whom you rest, like a child on the breast,
is a true friend, not split from you by others.
One whose reward is the fruit
of bearing the burden of service
develops a happy state,
producing joy and attracting praise.
One who has drunk the nectar of seclusion
and the nectar of peace,
free of stress, free of evil,
drinks the joyous nectar of Dhamma.