Two bright things protect the world

Kammakaraṇavagga Numbered Discourses 7–9. Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato

“These two things, mendicants, are dark. What two? Lack of conscience and prudence. These are the two things that are dark.”

“These two things, mendicants, are bright. What two? Conscience and prudence. These are the two things that are bright.”

“These two bright things, mendicants, protect the world. What two? Conscience and prudence. If these two bright things did not protect the world, there would be no recognition of the status of mother, aunts, or wives and partners of tutors and respected people. The world would become dissolute, like goats and sheep, chickens and pigs, and hounds and jackals. But because the two bright things protect the world, there is recognition of the status of mother, aunts, and wives and partners of tutors and respected people.”