When they go to a wilderness, the root of a tree, or an empty hut, they’re beset by remorseful, unskillful thoughts. This is how they’re prosecuted, I say.

That poor, penniless person has done bad things by way of body, speech, and mind. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re trapped in the prison of hell or the animal realm. I don’t see a single prison that’s as grim, as vicious, and such an obstacle to reaching the supreme sanctuary from the yoke as the prison of hell or the animal realm.

Poverty is said to be suffering in the world,

and so is being in debt.

A poor person who has fallen into debt

frets even when spending the loan.

And then they’re prosecuted,

or even thrown in jail.

Such imprisonment is true suffering

for someone who prays for pleasure and possessions.

In the same way, in the Noble One’s training

whoever has no faith,

no conscience or prudence,

contemplates bad deeds.

After doing bad things

by way of body,

speech, and mind,

they wish, ‘May no one find me out!’

Their behavior is creepy

by body, speech, and mind.

They pile up bad deeds

on and on, life after life.

That simpleton evildoer,

knowing their own misdeeds,

is a poor person who has fallen into debt,

and frets even when spending the loan.

And when in village or wilderness

they’re prosecuted