Fire falling on a grassless ground is extinguished of itself. An unforgiving individual defileth himself with many enormities. Righteousness is the one highest good; and forgiveness is the one supreme peace; knowledge is one supreme contentment; and benevolence, one sole happiness. Even as a serpent devoureth animals living in holes, the earth devoureth these two, viz., a king who is incompetent to fight, and a Brahmana who doth not sojourn to holy places.

In plain words: Like fire dying out on bare ground, anger fizzles out against a forgiving person, while an unforgiving person stains himself with many wrongs. Doing right is the highest good, forgiveness is the greatest peace, knowledge brings true contentment, and kindness is real happiness. A king who won't fight and a priest who won't travel to holy places are swallowed up by the earth, like animals eaten by a snake.