"'Yudhishthira said, "I know what benevolence is, in consequence of my
observation of persons that are good. I do not, however, know them that
are malevolent, nor the nature of their acts, O Bharata. Indeed, people
avoid malevolent persons of cruel deeds even as they avoid thorns and
pitfalls and fire. It is evident, O Bharata, that he who is malevolent is
sure to burn (with misery) both here and hereafter. Therefore, O thou of
Kuru's race, tell me what, in truth, the acts of such a person are."
"'Bhishma said, "Malevolent persons always do wicked acts and feel an
irresistible inclination for doing them. They slander others and incur
obloquy themselves. They always regard themselves as cheated of what is
their due. A malevolent person brags of his own acts of charity. He sees
others with malicious eyes. He is very mean. He is deceitful, and full of
cunning. He never gives others their dues. He is arrogant. He keeps evil
company and is always boastful. He fears and suspects all with whom he
comes into contact. He is of foolish understanding. He practises
miserliness. He praises his associates. He cherishes an inordinate
aversion and hatred for all recluses who have retired into the woods. He
takes delight in injuring others. He is utterly regardless of
distinguishing the merits and faults of others. He is full of lies. He is
discontented. He is exceedingly covetous, and always acts cruelly. Such a
person regards a virtuous and accomplished man as a pest, and thinking
everybody else to be like himself never trusts any one. Such a person
proclaims the faults of other people however unsuspected those faults
might be. With regard to such faults, however, as similar to those that
stain his own self, he does not refer to them even remotely, for the sake
of the advantage he reaps from them. He regards the person that does him
good as a simpleton whom he has cleverly deceived. He is filled with
regret for having at any time made any gift of wealth even unto a
benefactor. Know him for a malevolent and wicked person who quietly and
alone takes comestibles and drinks and other kinds of food that are
regarded choice, even when persons are standing by with wishful eyes. He
on the other hand, who dedicates the first portion to Brahmanas and takes
what remains, dividing it with friends and kinsmen, attains to great
felicity in the next world and infinite happiness here. I have now, O
chief of the Bharatas, said unto thee what the indications are of the
wicked and malevolent man. Such a person should always be avoided by a
man of wisdom."'"