โศลก 3.233.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.83.93.103.113.123.133.143.153.163.173.183.193.203.213.223.233.243.253.263.273.283.293.303.313.323.333.343.353.363.373.383.393.403.413.423.43

For, should I not ever engage Myself in action, unwearied, men would in every way follow My path, O Arjuna.

For if I did not tirelessly engage in action at all times, Partha, people would follow my path in every way.

Krishna explains why he acts though he has nothing to gain. If he were ever to stop, people would follow his example in every way, and so they too would stop acting. The verse applies the principle stated a little earlier, that the world follows the standard set by the great, to Krishna himself. His action is a form of care for the world. It shows that the motive for action, for one who is free, can be compassion and responsibility rather than personal desire.