偈颂 7.237.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.97.107.117.127.137.147.157.167.177.187.197.207.217.227.237.247.257.267.277.287.297.30

Verily the reward (fruit) that accrues to those men of small intelligence is finite. The worshippers of the gods go to them, but My devotees come to Me.

But the fruit gained by those of small understanding is perishable. Worshippers of the gods go to the gods; my devotees come to me.

Krishna adds a note of discernment. The fruit gained by those of limited understanding is finite and does not last. Those who worship the gods go to the gods, while Krishna's devotees come to him. The verse distinguishes between temporary rewards and the lasting goal. It does not deny that worship of the gods brings real results, but it points out that those results are bounded. The contrast prepares for the following verses, which explain why people fail to recognize the highest.