The king said, 'What is the characteristic mark of reasoning, and what of wisdom?'
'Reasoning has always comprehension as its' mark; but wisdom has cutting off.'
'But how is comprehension the characteristic of reasoning, and cutting off of wisdom? Give me an illustration.'
'You remember the barley reapers?'
'Yes, certainly.'
'How do they reap the barley?'
'With the left hand they grasp the barley into a bunch, and taking the sickle into the right hand, they cut it off with that.'
'Just even so, O king does the recluse by his mind,and by his wisdom cut off his failings. In this way is it that comprehension is the characteristic of reasoning, but cutting off of wisdom.'
'Well put, Nagasena!'

MILINDAPANHA 32-33

Psalm 20


For the director of music. A psalm of David.


1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; 
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary 
    and grant you support from Zion. 
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart 
    and make all your plans succeed. 
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed. 
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand. 
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, 
    but we rise up and stand firm. 
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!