Chapter 14 describes worldly existence as transient. How does it reconcile this with the advice to not be lazy in worldly duties?

Chapter 14 presents a nuanced view by balancing the transient nature of life with the importance of worldly duties. It states that life is fleeting, like a flash of lightning, and family members are like pieces of wood that meet briefly in a river's current. However, the chapter also explicitly advises that one should not be lazy in worldly duties or indifferent to human endeavor. The reconciliation lies in the insight that 'if one is observant' while stepping into worldly affairs, spirituality can be attained 'without effort.' Therefore, Chapter 14 suggests that diligently and mindfully performing one's duties is not a contradiction to spiritual life but is, in fact, a direct path to it.