What is the highest blessing? What is the best protection?

Thus have I heard: 

On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika, in Jeta’s grove,  near Savatthi.  Now when the night was late a certain deity, whose surpassing radiance illuminated the entire Jeta's Grove, came to the presence of the Exalted One.  After drawing near, he then respectfully saluted Him and stood at one side.  Standing he addressed the Exalted One in verse: "Many deities and men wishing to know what is good, have pondered on the blessings and auspicious  signs of luck.  Tell me what is the highest blessing? And what is the best protection?"

The Blessed Buddha responded:
Not to associate with fools, but only with the wise.  To honour only those who are worthy of honour.  This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

To live in a suitable place, to have done merits in the past, and to set oneself on the right path. This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

Great learning, good skills, a highly trained discipline, and a pleasant speech.  This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

The support of father and mother, the cherishing of wife and children, and a harmless job. This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

Generosity, pure morality, the helping of relatives, and blameless behaviour.   This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

To avoid all evil action, to abstain from intoxicants, and firmness in virtue.   This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and hearing the Dhamma in time.   This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

Patience, respect, sight of, and conversation with calm recluses in due time.   This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

Self-control, living the Noble life, realising the 4 Noble Truths, and Nibbāna.   This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.

The be unmoved by the 8 worldly conditions # sorrowless, stainless, and safe.   This is the highest blessing and also the best protection.

Having fulfilled all these requirements, everywhere they are undefeated,  everywhere they go in safety, fearing nothing, cooled, calmed and serene...

These are the highest blessings and also the best protections!

# Note: The 8 states beings perpetually run towards, and away from: 
Gain and loss, fame and disrespect, praise and blame, happiness and sorrow.

Source : what-buddha-said.net