2. Whoever wishes to do anything desirable to him by unlawful acts, it becomes as fruitless as the endeavours of a madman.
3. As you try so you get both of good and evil: and fortune and exertion are the joint causes of acts according to fatalists.
4. Human exertions are either lawful or unlawful; the former leading to success, and the latter to dangerous consequences.
5. Fortune and exertions contend with each other like two rams of unequal strength, wherein the mightier overcomes the other.
6. Therefore should man apply himself diligently (to his duties), and employ his skill and promptness after them in such a way, as his to-day may overcome the morrow (i.e., do the works of to-morrow to-day).
7. When two unequal forces (of two persons) contend with one another like two rams, the stronger force whether of this or that man, overcomes the other.
8. When one incurs a failure or danger even by his lawful exertions, he should know it to be the result of his misapplied exertions.
9. One by his utmost exertion in the right way, as by the gnashing of his teeth (and the like), can overcome his misfortune and so does his bad luck sometimes baffle his exertions.
10. When one finds himself to be led astray by the demerit of his acts of a former state of existence, he must attempt to subdue the same by greater energy of his present state.
11. So far should one diligently endeavour to exercise his exertions, as he may be able to beat down the evils resulting from his bad fortune (or predestination).