குறள் 409
மேற்பிறந்தா ராயினும் கல்லாதார் கீழ்ப்பிறந்தும்
கற்றார் அனைத்திலர் பாடு.
Stanza 409
The ignorant however high-born is lower
Than the low born learned.
Meaning:
The unlearned, though born in a high caste, are not equal in dignity to the learned, though they may have been born in a low caste.
Transliteration
Merpirandhaa Raayinum Kallaadhaar Keezhppirandhum
Katraar Anaiththilar Paatu
குறள் 437
செயற்பால செய்யா திவறியான் செல்வம்
உயற்பால தன்றிக் கெடும்.
Stanza 437
A miser’s wealth unused doesnot increase
But is lost.
Meaning:
The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it, will waste away and not continue.
Transliteration
Seyarpaala Seyyaa Thivariyaan Selvam
Uyarpaala Thandrik Ketum.
குறள் 438
பற்றுள்ளம் என்னும் இவறன்மை எற்றுள்ளும்
எண்ணப் படுவதொன் றன்று.
Stanza 438
Clinging miserliness stands out
Among other sins.
Meaning:
Gripping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (It stand alone-grater than all).
Transliteration
Patrullam Ennum Ivaranmai Etrullum
Ennap Patuvadhon Randru.
குறள் 439
வியவற்க எஞ்ஞான்றும் தன்னை நயவற்க
நன்றி பயவா வினை.
Stanza 439
Never flatter yourself, nor delight
In empty deeds.
Meaning:
Let not a king praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things.
Transliteration
Viyavarka Egngnaandrum Thannai Nayavarka
Nandri Payavaa Vinai.
குறள் 457
மனநலம் மன்னுயிர்க் காக்கம் இனநலம்
எல்லாப் புகழும் தரும்.
Stanza 457
A good mind is an asset to everyone
While good company contribute to glory.
Meaning:
Goodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring all praise, to men.
Transliteration
Mananalam Mannuyirk Kaakkam Inanalam
Ellaap Pukazhum Tharum
குறள் 458
மனநலம் நன்குடைய ராயினும் சான்றோர்க்கு
இனநலம் ஏமாப் புடைத்து.
Stanza 458
A good mind is good, but is strengthened
By good company.
Meaning:
Although they may have great (natural) goodness of mind, yet good society is an advantage to the wise.
Transliteration
Mananalam Nankutaiya Raayinum Saandrorkku
Inanalam Emaap Putaiththu
குறள் 459
மனநலத்தின் ஆகும் மறுமைமற் றஃதும்
இனநலத்தின் ஏமாப் புடைத்து.
Stanza 459
A pure mind ensures heaven, but even that
Is doubly ensured by good company.
Meaning:
Future bliss is (the result) of goodness of mind; and even this aquires strength from the society of the good.
Transliteration
Mananalaththin Aakum Marumaimar Raqdhum
Inanalaththin Emaap Putaiththu
குறள் 410
விலங்கொடு மக்கள் அனையர் இலங்குநூல்
கற்றாரோடு ஏனை யவர்.
Stanza 410
The ignorant are to the learned
As beasts to men.
Meaning:
As beasts of the side of men, so are other men by the side of those who are learned in celebrated works.
Transliteration
Vilangotu Makkal Anaiyar Ilangunool
Katraarotu Enai Yavar
குறள் 440
காதல காதல் அறியாமை உய்க்கிற்பின்
ஏதில ஏதிலார் நூல்.
Stanza 440
Keep your attachments secret,
And your foes’ plots will fail.
Meaning:
If (a king) enjoys privately which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless.
Transliteration
Kaadhala Kaadhal Ariyaamai Uykkirpin
Edhila Edhilaar Nool.
குறள் 391
கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின்
நிற்க அதற்குத் தக.
Stanza 391
Learn well what should be learnt, and then
Live your learning.
Meaning:
Let a man learn thoroughly whatever he may learn, and let his conduct be worthy of his learning.