Tirukural – Chapter 83
Chapter 83: False Friendship
Verse 828
A gentleman stands with hands folded across his chest. He is confronting a wicked fellow who has approached him. Though the intruder bows with a smile, inside his heart hides a dagger of intended harm.
You can access the entire text, in Tamil and English here:
Weaver’s Wisdom
Verse 821
The friendship of those who feign affection is an anvil
on which they hammer you when the opportunity arises.
Verse 822
For those who act like friends, but are not,
friendship fluctuates like a fickle woman.
Verse 823
Though their learning may be abundantly good,
ignoble men rarely learn goodness of heart.
Verse 824
Fear the cunning friend who, harboring
wickedness in his heart, smiles sweetly to your face.
Verse 825
Distrust whatever words may come from men
whose hearts do not beat in harmony with your own.
Verse 826
Sounding very much like a good friend’s words,
a rival’s words are nonetheless known very quickly.
Verse 827
Knowing how the bending of a bow forebodes nothing but harm,
never trust an enemy, though he bends low in his speech.
Verse 828
Folded in respect, a foe’s hands may hide a dagger.
So, too, his tears dare not be trusted.
Verse 829
Men may amply aid you, yet despise you in their heart;
make them laugh, but let feigned friendship die.
Verse 830
When the time comes that foes pose as friends,
keep a friendly face but banish their brotherhood from your heart.
One Response to “Tirukural – Chapter 83”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
April 11th, 2022 at 5:13 pm
“AUM”!.