RV 117 (2)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, 3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. 4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. 5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. 6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food −I speak the truth− shall be his ruin. 7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follo 8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two−footed catches the three−footed. 9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch−kine is unequal.

RV 117 (2) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

Friendship Poverty Work Family Speech Truth Wealth Doubt

Friendship in other traditions

The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.

Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.

Dhp 6.78 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 · Bible · Proverbs

And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend

Quran 70:10 · Quran

With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. Then thus—“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul. Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”

Iliad 9.16 · Iliad · 9

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