Chapter 2 — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 2

Valmiki Ramayana — Sundara Kanda

Verse 2.25

अर्थानान्तरे बुद्धिनिश्चितापि न शोभते। घातयन्तीह कार्याणि दूताः पण्डितमानिनः॥

arthānāntare buddhiniścitāpi na śobhate| ghātayantīha kāryāṇi dūtāḥ paṇḍitamāninaḥ||

English Meaning

In respect of what should he undertaken and what not, even the certain decision (of a master assisted by his counsellors), because of a heedless messenger, dose not appear in all its beauty: messengers (foolish) yet proud of their knowledge, bring every business to nought.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)