110

Even if one were to live a hundred years, unprincipled (without regard for ethical conduct) and distracted (with scattered attention); Better is a single day of life, of a virtuous person who meditates.

111

Even if one were to live a hundred years, undiscerning (unable to distinguish wholesome from unwholesome) and distracted; Better is a single day of life, of a discerning person who meditates.

112

Even if one were to live a hundred years, indolent (inactive) and low in energy (lacking in endurance); Better is a single day of life, of one who makes steady effort.

Discernment (wisdom) is gradually cultivated through learning the teachings of the Buddha and then observing when one is established in mindfulness the causes that lead to the arising of a harmful or beneficial mental quality.

Related Teachings:

Leading to harm or benefit (AN 1.98 - 1.113) - A series of short teachings on what leads to harm or benefit.

The mind arises first, and the mental qualities follow it (AN 1.56, 1.57) - Observing for the presence and absence of the wholesome and unwholesome mental qualities is a good way to observe for the trajectory of the mind.

Navigating through 30 mental qualities that lead to enlightenment, to the arising of the Buddha (AN 10.76) - The Buddha lays down 30 different mental qualities in ten sets of threes that lead all the way to enlightenment. He explains them both backwards and forwards. One can use this teaching to draw out a skill map of which qualities they’ve cultivated and which ones are next to cultivate.