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Of those who punish, I am the sceptre; among those who seek victory, I am statesmanship; and also among secrets, I am silence; knowledge among knowers I am.

Of those who discipline I am the rod of punishment; of those who seek victory, I am wise policy. Of secrets I am silence, and of the knowing, I am knowledge.

Krishna names qualities from the life of rulers and thinkers. Among those who restrain wrongdoers he is daṇḍa, the rod of just punishment by which order is kept. Among those who want to win he is nīti, sound policy or right conduct in pursuing success. Among secrets he is silence, since what is never spoken is the best kept. Among the wise he is knowledge itself. Each item is a quality at its best: force used for order, ambition guided by wisdom, discretion and understanding. The verse speaks directly to a prince who must one day govern.