Let one first establish oneself in what is proper; then instruct others. Thus the wise one will not be stained.

Attānameva paṭhamaṃ patirūpe nivesaye — let one first establish oneself in what is proper: patirūpa is what is appropriate, correct, suitable. Before teaching others, the wise one establishes firmly in practice. The sequence is not optional: first personal practice, then teaching.

Athaññamanusāseyya — then instruct others: atha marks the temporal order: after, only after. Teaching that does not come from personal practice is empty — like the flower without fragrance in verse 51.

Na kilisseyya paṇḍito — the wise one will not be stained: kilissati is to stain, contaminate. The teacher who teaches what they practice does not contaminate themselves through the activity of teaching. One who teaches what they do not practice contaminates themselves doubly: through hypocrisy and through unshielded exposure.

This teaching applies to any leadership or guiding role. Moral authority comes from personal practice, not from institutional position. Lead from one’s own experience, not from theory imposed on others.