Verso 16.2416.116.216.316.416.516.616.716.816.916.1016.1116.1216.1316.1416.1516.1616.1716.1816.1916.2016.2116.2216.2316.24

Therefore, let the scripture be thy authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. Having known what is said in the ordinance of the scriptures, thou shouldst act here in this world.

Therefore let scripture be your authority in deciding what should and should not be done. Knowing what the injunctions of scripture declare, you should act here in the world.

The chapter ends with a clear instruction to Arjuna: let scripture be your authority in deciding what to do and what not to do. Knowing what its injunctions teach, you should act in the world. For Arjuna, who began the dialogue unsure of his duty, this offers an external standard beyond his shifting emotions. Readers differ on how strictly śāstra is to be taken, as a fixed code or as accumulated wisdom to be understood, but all agree the verse calls for informed, principled action.