XXV. The thunder rolls all under the sky, and to (every)thing there is given (its nature), free from all insincerity. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, (made their regulations) in complete accordance with the seasons, thereby nourishing all things.

1 When 'he who is free from insincerity makes any movement,' he will get what he desires.

2 'He reaps without having ploughed:' (the thought of) riches to be got had not risen (in his mind).

3 'The passer-by gets the ox:' this proves a calamity to the people of the neighbourhood.

4 'If he can remain firm and correct there will be no error:' he firmly holds fast (his correctness).

5 'Medicine in the case of one who is free from insincerity!' it should not be tried (at all).

6 'The action (in this case) of one who is free from insincerity' will occasion the calamity arising from action (when the time for it is) exhausted.