Inborn action (karma), O son of Kunti (Kaunteya), though it has faults, one should not abandon. For all undertakings are enveloped by fault (doṣa), like fire by smoke.
Arjuna, a man should not relinquish action he is born to, even if it is flawed; all undertakings are marred by a flaw, as fire is obscured by smoke.
(48) Never should a man give up the work to which, he is born, defective though it be: for every enterprise is choked by defects, as fire by smoke.
18.48 O son of Kuntī, one should not give up the duty to which one is born, even though it be faulty. For all undertakings are surrounded with evil, as fire is with smoke.
18.48 One should not relinquish one's works, O Arjuna, though it may be imperfect; for, all enterprises are enveloped by imperfections as fire by smoke.
18.48 One should not abandon, O Arjuna, the duty to which one is born, though faulty; for, all undertakings are enveloped by evil, as fire by smoke.