Diligence [in the practice] is the path to the Deathless. Negligence [in the practice] is the path to death. Those who are diligently applied [to the practice] do not die. Those who are negligently applied [to the practice] are as if already dead.

The wise, recognising this special quality of diligence, rejoice in it, taking delight in the Noble People’s sphere of personal application.

Wise people, those who meditate perseveringly, who constantly and resolutely apply themselves [to the practice], they reach the Untroubled, the unsurpassed safety from [the danger of] bondage [to individual existence].

One who is energetically applied [to the practice], who is mindful, pure in conduct, who behaves carefully [in accordance with the teaching], who is restrained [in conduct], living righteously, who is diligently applied [to the practice], his glory grows.

Through exertion and diligence [in the practice], restraint [in conduct], and inward taming, a wise man should make an Island which the flood [of suffering] does not overwhelm.

Fools and unintelligent people apply themselves negligently [to the practice]. A wise man fosters diligence [in the practice] as his greatest wealth.

Do not apply yourself negligently [to the practice]. Do not be on intimate terms with sensuous delight. The diligent, meditative person indeed attains happiness supreme.

When the wise man expels negligence [in the practice] by means of diligence [in the practice], having mounted the palace of wisdom, free of grief he ponders the grieving world. The wise man ponders fools like one who stands on a mountain ponders those standing on the land below.

Diligently applied [to the practice] amidst those who are negligently applied [to the practice]; leaving them behind, the one of great wisdom, [spiritually] wide awake amidst sleepers, forges ahead, like a swift horse leaves behind a weak jade.

Through diligence [in the practice] Maghavā attained supremacy amongst the devas. [Buddhas] praise diligence [in the practice]. Negligence [in the practice] is ever criticised.

A bhikkhu who takes delight in diligence [in the practice] and sees danger in negligence [in the practice], advances like fire, burning up his ties to individual existence, weak or strong.

A bhikkhu who takes delight in diligence [in the practice] and sees danger in negligence [in the practice], is incapable of falling away [from spiritually wholesome factors]. He is close to the Untroubled.