SB 12.12.53
naiskarmyam apy acyuta-bhava-varjitam
na sobhate jñanam alam nirañjanam
kutah punah sasvad abhadram isvare
na hy arpitam karma yad apy anuttamam
Translation:
Knowledge of self-realization, even though free from all material affinity, does not look well if devoid of a conception of the Infallible [God]. What, then, is the use of even the most properly performed fruitive activities, which are naturally painful from the very beginning and transient by nature, if they are not utilized for the devotional service of the Lord?
Purport:
This and the previous two verses are found in a slightly different form in the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.5.10-12). The translations are based on Srila Prabhupada’s.