In this poem Kabir denounces all external forms of worship, rites and rituals. He disapproves of metaphysical dialectics and is critical of those who say "I am He" without true realization. These 'holy' or 'enlightened' ones are bound by ego; they crave reverence and deceive themselves as well as others. Kabir, in his outspoken manner, declares that the worldly are much better than these so-called enlightened ones.

O Lord, it is a great irony —
The worldly are much better
Than the 'enlightened'.
Some take to austerities,
Some rush to holy sites to bathe,
Some crave honor and reverence,
Some remain bound by 'me' and 'mine',
Some claim 'I am He' and rejoice,
Some indulge in theoretical talk
And further spread delusion.
None is able to obtain
The rare boon of realization.
O Lord, what an irony:
The worldly are much better
Than these enlightened ones.
Alas, O Kabir, they know not the way.
Apply to your eyes, O man,
That collyrium which reveals the Lord.

K.G., p. 136:276
Rāmrāi bhai biguchani bhāri