英文:

Once upon a time there was a thief who sneaked into a rich man's house to steal a piece of embroidered satin. he used it to wrap up such objects as worn clothes, rags and sundry effects. he was laughed at by the wise.

So are the stupid in the world who have faith in buddhism, who practice good teachings and who do meritorious works. because of their basic greed for gain, however, they break the pure commandments and lose their various merits. they are also laughed at by the people at large.

古文:

昔有贼人,入富家舍,偷得锦绣,即持用裹故弊氀褐种种财物,为智人所笑。

世间愚人,亦复如是。既有信心,入佛法中修行善法,及诸功德,以贪利故,破于清净戒及诸功德,为世所笑,亦复如是。

译文:

从前有一个小偷,潜入富人的家里行窃。他偷了许多精美的丝绸制品,就用来包裹他那些破烂的毛织衣服。明智人都讥笑他的行为。

世上愚昧的人,也同样是这样。既有信心听从佛陀的教导,修行利他利世的教义以及读经、信佛、布施,却又由于贪图世俗的利益不能割舍,破除了远离欲望和烦恼的戒律及条例,最终受到人们的嘲笑,也是同样的道理。