Gems are precious treasures such as pearls and agates. To be set high on a shelf means to be put aside and neglected. A high shelf denotes a lofty, unused upper chamber. The line says every word of this scripture is as precious as gems, benefiting one’s body and mind. How could one dismiss it as useless, storing it away in an empty loft without reciting it aloud and contemplating it in the mind?
Though I am devoid of talent, I descend to the altar to deliver admonitions and awaken deluded beings.
To deliver means to leave behind. The Divine Sovereign says: “Though I possess no great learning, I come to the spirit‑altar to leave these admonitions. My sole purpose through these good words is to rouse those deluded by carnal allurements, that they may turn back without delay.”
If there are people who keep this scripture close at hand and cherish it wholeheartedly, I shall bestow greater blessings and lengthen their years.
To keep upon one’s person means to carry it on one’s body. To cherish whole‑heartedly means to keep it firmly in one’s mind. It means that if someone carries the Scripture on Restraining Licentiousness with them and holds it constantly in their minds, I shall protect them, augment their blessings and wisdom, and extend their allotted lifespan.
If there are people who expound this scripture aloud and point to its text for others, I shall blot out their sins and cancel their transgressions.
If you explain this scripture for others, pointing to its passages for them to see, then the licentious misdeeds, sins and karmic grievances committed by you in the past shall be blotted clean from the karmic registers. All faults shall vanish completely, opening a path for renewal.
If people do not regard my words as idle talk, I shall be grateful for their regard within the Lingxiao Hall.
Idle talk means groundless hearsay. Lingxiao Hall is the palace where the Divine Sovereign dwells. The Divine Sovereign states: if you do not take my admonitions in this scripture as unfounded chatter, I shall hold your attitude in appreciation within the Lingxiao Hall.
If people do not take my words as perverse doctrine, I shall mend their faults for them within the Golden Palace.