1 He whose boldness appears in his daring (to do wrong, in defiance of the laws) is put to death; he whose boldness appears in his not daring (to do so) lives on. Of these two cases the one appears to be advantageous, and the other to be injurious. But

When God's anger smites a man,

Who the cause shall truly scan?

On this account the sage feels a difficulty (as to what to do in the former case).

2 It is the way of God not to strive, and yet He skilfully overcomes; not to speak at length, and yet He is skilful in obtaining a reply; He does not call, and yet men come to Him of themselves. His demonstrations are quiet, and yet His plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of His decree are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.