Kural #811
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Tamil text
பருகுவார் போலினும் பண்பிலார்
கேண்மை பெருகலிற் குன்றல் இனிது
Parukuvār pōliṉum paṇpilār
Kēṇmai perukkaliṟ kuṉṟal iṉitu
English translation
Even if the characterless seem to drink you in with affection, it is better for their friendship to decrease than increase.
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Explanation
This chapter on தீ நட்பு (evil friendship) opens with a warning: even if the பண்பிலார் (characterless) seem to consume you with affection (பருகுவார் போலினும்), diminishing (குன்றல்) such friendship is sweeter than increasing it.
விளக்கம்
பண்பில்லாதவரின் நட்பு, அன்பாகத் தோன்றினாலும், வளருவதைவிடக் குறைவதே நல்லது. தீய நட்பு அதிகாரத்தில், நல்ல குணம் இல்லாதவர்களின் நட்பைத் தவிர்க்கச் சொல்கிறார் திருவள்ளுவர். கெட்ட நட்பு துன்பம் தரும்.
Word meanings
- பருகுவார்parukuvārthose who drink/absorb
- போலினும்pōliṉumeven if seeming
- பண்புpaṇpucharacter
- இலார்ilārthose without
- கேண்மைkēṇmaifriendship
- பெருகலின்perukaliṉthan increasing
- குன்றல்kuṉṟaldecreasing
- இனிதுiṉituis sweet
Story behind this kural
The young merchant, Arul, was eager to build his fortune. He befriended Karun, a man known for his charm and lavish lifestyle. Karun showered Arul with compliments and advice, always praising Arul's ambition and sharing tales of quick riches. At first, Arul's business thrived under Karun’s supposed guidance. Karun introduced him to new markets, and the profits rolled in. As time passed, Karun began subtly influencing Arul’s decisions, pushing him towards riskier ventures. Soon, Arul found himself borrowing heavily, investing in schemes that promised vast returns but demanded immediate payment. When the inevitable downturn arrived, Karun was nowhere to be found. Arul lost everything, his wealth vanished as quickly as it had appeared. He learned a harsh lesson as he watched his former friend enjoying a life he no longer had.