Path of the Law - Apastamba Dharmasutras

Speaking about laws, Apastamba makes a very interesting statement, when he says: “Let a man not become provoked or easily deceived by the proclamations of hypocrites, crooks, and fools. The Righteous (dharma) and the Unrighteous (Adharma) do not go around saying, "Here we are!" Nor do gods, Gandharvas, or ancestors declare, "This is righteous and that is unrighteous“. An activity that Aryas praise is righteous, and what they deplore is unrighteous. He should model his conduct after that which is universally approved in all regions by Aryas who have been properly trained, who are elderly and self-possessed, and who are neither greedy nor deceitful. In this way he will win both worlds.”

And he then goes on to mention how a person needs to obey the law, comparing it to growing a mango tree.

Apastamba says, "Let him not follow the Laws for the sake of worldly benefits, for then the Laws produce no fruit at harvest time. It is like this. A man plants a mango tree to get fruits, but in addition he obtains also shade and fragrance. In like manner, when a man follows the Law, he obtains, in addition, other benefits. Even if he does not obtain them, at least no harm is done to the Law."