Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Some company and some habits pull you the wrong way — it's wise to keep a healthy distance.
Their words can sting; you don't have to stay close to what hurts you.
This one says: some company pulls you the wrong way, and it's okay to keep a healthy distance.
The verse talks about the saakat. A saakat is someone who has turned away from the good and forgotten the Name. The words are sharp: "the word of the saakat stings like a scorpion; leave him far, far behind."
The wisdom here is about influence. It is not about hating anyone. Some company and habits pull you the wrong way, and their words can sting. Think of a game you know always leaves you grumpy and mean. You can choose to put it down. You don't have to stay close to what hurts you.
If someone is being unkind to you or hurting you, that is never something you have to accept. Telling a grown-up you trust is always the right thing to do.
How do you know when it's wise to step back from something that isn't good for you?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI