Is there anything for which ignoble men are suited? Well, whenever crisis comes no one sells themselves more swiftly! - Thiruvalluvar

Let a low man see others well clothed and fed And instantly their faults assail his sight! - Thiruvalluvar

Ask what is more miserable than being poor And the answer comes-only poverty pains like poverty! - Thiruvalluvar

Without good men to hold it up, The family house will fall when misfortune descends! - Thiruvalluvar

The world will surround and wish to befriend the man Who, without wrongdoing, prospers in life to uplift loved ones! - Thiruvalluvar

When a man declares he will advance his family, God Himself will wrap His robes and lead the way! - Thiruvalluvar

If a man does not feel ashamed of that which others feel ashamed, Virtue itself will be ashamed of him! - Thiruvalluvar

Strangers will one day sieze his wealth, who, To pile it high, preffered self-denial, forsaking love and dharma! - Thiruvalluvar

The wealth of the man whom no one loves is like a poisonous tree That bears fruit in the heart of a village! - Thiruvalluvar

The wealth of a man who gives nothing to the needy Is like a beautiful maiden growing old unwed! - Thiruvalluvar

Unloved by even a single soul, What could such a man imagine he might leave behind! - Thiruvalluvar

Great wealth amassed by men devoid of that virtue called courtesy Is like good milk that has soured in an unclean! - Thiruvalluvar

Love, modesty, propriety, kindly look, and truthfulness- These are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests! - Thiruvalluvar

It is said that all good things are natural to those Who know their duty and walk the path of perfect goodness! - Thiruvalluvar

Greatness conceals through silence the weaknesses of others. But pettiness proclaims such things to all! - Thiruvalluvar

Greatness is always humble. But pettiness is self-adorned with words of praise! - Thiruvalluvar

Lowly men are never high, even when elevated. High souls are never low, even when downtrodden! - Thiruvalluvar

When a man with good background lacks loving affection, Doubts arise whether he arose from that family! - Thiruvalluvar

Four are the attributes of the true gentleman: a smiling face, A generous hand, a courteous disposition and kindly words! - Thiruvalluvar

The body requires no medicine if you eat Only after the food you have already eaten is digested! - Thiruvalluvar

The enmity of the wise is ten million times Better than the intimate friendship of fools! - Thiruvalluvar

A strong, close friend will not listen to a friends' faults, And on the day a friend offends, he celebrates his silence! - Thiruvalluvar

When friends do things that hurt you, attribute it either To unawareness or to the privileges of friendship! - Thiruvalluvar

Hold tight to friendship with pure men; Let go of those who lack propriety, even by paying them off! - Thiruvalluvar

To give up friendship with fools and quit their company- Such loss is said to be the greatest gain! - Thiruvalluvar

To divert a man from wrong, direct him toward the right And share his sorrow in misfortune is friendship! - Thiruvalluvar

Friendship is not seen on a friendly face, But felt deep within a friendly heart! - Thiruvalluvar

Whatever excellent qualities a fortress may possess, It will be of no avail to men who lack action's excellence! - Thiruvalluvar

Speak confidently before the learned what you have mastered; And learn from those more learned still what you do not know! - Thiruvalluvar

Those who speak good things to good and learned gatherings Should never say them to ignorant groups, even forgetfully! - Thiruvalluvar

Speaking to an audience of understanding men Is like watering a bed of growing plants! - Thiruvalluvar

Those who do not assess an audience before venturing to speak Are unaware of the way of words and remain ineffective! - Thiruvalluvar

Integrity, influence and intrepidity-these three along with truthfulness Are the qualities of a man who faithfully delivers his monarch's message!

Direct action is good whenever feasible, but when it is not, seek other means of success! - Thiruvalluvar

It is easy for anyone to speak of a plan, But it is difficult indeed to execute what has been spoken! - Thiruvalluvar

Men who cannot communicate their knowledge to others Resemble a bouquet of unfragrant flowers in full bloom! - Thiruvalluvar

He who does not long for joy in joy Will not suffer sorrow in sorrow! - Thiruvalluvar

Troubles will be troubled before the man who faces them Like the determined bullock that wades through every difficulty! - Thiruvalluvar

Laugh when troubles come your way. There is nothing better to conquer calamity! - Thiruvalluvar

He who prefers work to pleasure supports his family Like a pillar, sweeping away their every sad sorrow! - Thiruvalluvar

Never say in weakness, "This task is too difficult," For perseverance will give the ability to accomplish it! - Thiruvalluvar

A kindly look is the ornament of the eyes. Without kindness the eyes are two unsightly sores! - Thiruvalluvar

It is easy to get what you think of, If you can get yourself to think of it! - Thiruvalluvar

There is nothing too difficult for the man who Consciously conceives and carefully executes his work! - Thiruvalluvar

Work should be entrusted to men on the basis of their knowledge And diligence and not merely on the bonds of affection! - Thiruvalluvar

When a rare opportunity comes, do not hesitate, But swiftly accomplish tasks that are otherwise impossible! - Thiruvalluvar

Nothing is impossible for those who perceive the nature and the means Of their task and proceed with determination! - Thiruvalluvar