29. Avoidance of Fraud

He who wishes not to be scorned by others
guards his own mind against the slightest thought of fraud.

The mere thought of sin is sin. Therefore,
avoid even the thought of stealing from another.

A fortune amassed by fraud may appear to prosper
but will all too soon perish altogether.

Taking delight in defrauding others yields the fruit
of undying suffering when those delights ripen.

Benevolent thoughts and kindly feelings flee from those 
who watch for another's unwatchfulness to swindle his property.

Those who walk deceit's desirous path
cannot hope to work wisdom's measured way.

The dark deceits of fraud cannot be found
in those who desire the greatness called virtue.

As righteousness resides in the hearts of the virtuous,
so does deceit dwell in the hearts of thieves.

Men who know nothing but deception die a little
each time they contrive their crooked deeds.

Even the life in his body will abandon him who cheats others, 
while Heaven itself never forsakes those who are honest.