Therefore: follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the patient, the virtuous, the noble — follow such a good and intelligent person, as the moon follows the path of the stars.

Dhīrañca paññañca bahussutañca — the wise, the intelligent, the learned: three qualities of the ideal companion: dhīra (firmness), paññā (wisdom), bahussuta (of much study, broadly learned). The combination covers character, intelligence, and knowledge.

Dhorayhasīlaṃ vatavantamariyaṃ — the patient, the virtuous, the noble: dhorayha-sīla is of patient conduct, one who bears the burden; vatavanta is of good vows, virtuous; ariya is noble. These three cover conduct, commitment, and spiritual nobility.

Taṃ tādisaṃ sappurisaṃ sumedhaṃ bhajetha — follow such a good and intelligent person: sappurisa is the good person; sumedha is one of good intelligence. The conclusion of the vagga on happiness is a command: seek this company.

Nakkhattapathaṃva candimā — as the moon follows the path of the stars: the moon follows its course among the constellations with constancy and naturalness. Thus the practitioner follows the wise: not with compulsive effort but with the naturalness of a celestial body in its orbit.