Kṛṣṇa emphasizes equanimity in social and physical conditions. A devotee is ‘Samaḥ’—equal—toward friends and enemies. He treats honor and dishonor with the same indifference. He is steady through the changes of weather (heat and cold) and the changes of life (pleasure and pain). He is ‘Saṅga-vivarjitaḥ’—free from contaminating material attachments. This is the ultimate test of spiritual maturity. It is easy to be nice to friends, but can you be fair to an enemy? It is easy to be happy when honored, but can you be calm when insulted? The devotee realizes that ‘friend’ and ‘enemy’ are just temporary roles people play due to their karma. He looks past the mask and sees the soul. This verse provides a blueprint for an unshakable personality. By withdrawing our ‘Sanga’ or attachment from material outcomes, we become immune to the world’s attempts to manipulate our emotions. We become like a deep ocean that remains still even when rivers of praise or blame pour into it. This inner stillness is very dear to Kṛṣṇa.