Preached by the Buddha in reply to a question put by Sáriputta beginning with the word kimsíla. Sáriputta visited the Buddha, taking with him a young man, son of a friend of his father. The youth had joined the Order under Sáriputta renouncing his immense wealth, but he could gain no attainment. Sáriputta desired him to hear an exposition by the Buddha, hence his question (SnA.i.331).
One who aspires to the highest good should not be envious, obstinate, or careless, but diligent in his training, cultivating self-restraint and chastity, intent in the dhamma, making the dhamma his first and last concern (Sn.pp.56f).
This sutta is the ninth of the Culla Vagga of the Sutta Nipáta, and derives its name from the first word (kimsilo) in Sáriputta's question.