The fools call themselves spiritual scholars, and by their clever tricks, they love to gather wealth.
The righteous waste their righteousness, by asking for the door of salvation.
They call themselves celibate, and abandon their homes, but they do not know the true way of life.
Everyone calls himself perfect; none call themselves imperfect.
If the weight of honor is placed on the scale, then, O Nanak, one sees his true weight. ||2||
First Mehl:
Evil actions become publicly known; O Nanak, the True Lord sees everything.
Everyone makes the attempt, but that alone happens which the Creator Lord does.
In the world hereafter, social status and power mean nothing; hereafter, the soul is new.
Those few, whose honor is confirmed, are good. ||3||
Pauree:
Only those whose karma You have pre-ordained from the very beginning, O Lord, meditate on You.
Nothing is in the power of these beings; You created the various worlds.
Some, You unite with Yourself, and some, You lead astray.
By Guru's Grace You are known; through Him, You reveal Yourself.
We are easily absorbed in You. ||11||
As it pleases You, You save me; I have come seeking Your Sanctuary, O God, O Lord King.
I am wandering around, ruining myself day and night; O Lord, please save my honor!
I am just a child; You, O Guru, are my father. Please give me understanding and instruction.
Servant Nanak is known as the Lord's slave; O Lord, please preserve his honor! ||4||10||17||