(he) kaunteya–O son of Kuntī; sa-doṣam api–although imperfect; karma–action; saha-jam–prescribed according to one’s nature; na tyajet–must not be given up; hi–for; sarva-ārambhāḥ–all undertakings; āvṛtāḥ–are covered; doṣeṇa–by defects; agniḥ iva–as fire is covered; dhūmena–by smoke. [48]

O Kaunteya, even though it may be imperfect, one should not give up the duty prescribed according to his nature. Verily, all action (karma) is (generally) covered by imperfection, as fire is covered by smoke.