Kural #815
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Tamil text
செய்தேமஞ் சாராச் சிறியவர்
புன்கேண்மை எய்தலின் எய்தாமை நன்று
Ceytēmañ cārāc ciṟiyavar
Puṉkēṇmai eytaliṉ eytāmai naṉṟu
English translation
It is better not to attain the mean friendship of petty people who do not help when they can.
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Explanation
The புன்கேண்மை (mean friendship) of சிறியவர் (petty people) who do not offer support (செய்தேமம் சாரா) is better not gained (எய்தாமை நன்று) than gained (எய்தலின்).
விளக்கம்
தீ நட்பு அதிகாரத்தில், உதவி செய்ய இயலாத சிறியவர்களின் நட்பு கிடைப்பதை விட கிடைக்காமல் இருப்பதே நல்லது. ஏனெனில் அப்படிப்பட்ட நட்பு துன்பம் மட்டுமே தரும். ஆகையால், நல்ல நண்பர்களைத் தேர்ந்தெடுப்பது முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- செய்தேமம்ceytēmamhelp/support
- சாராcārānot approaching
- சிறியவர்ciṟiyavarpetty people
- புன்puṉmean/low
- கேண்மைkēṇmaifriendship
- எய்தலின்eytaliṉthan attaining
- எய்தாமைeytāmainot attaining
- நன்றுnaṉṟuis good
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two farmers: Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his generous heart and bountiful harvests. Bala, however, was envious and small-minded. He befriended Arun, always eager to share in Arun's good fortune. One year, a fierce storm ravaged the village. Arun's crops were flattened, and his house damaged. He sought help from Bala, recalling their shared laughter and promises of friendship. Bala, however, looked at Arun with a calculating gaze. "My own stores are low," he said, and quickly retreated to his own home. Arun, disheartened, turned to the other villagers, who, though less fortunate, offered what little they had. They shared their meager food and helped rebuild his home. Arun eventually recovered, learning a valuable lesson about the true nature of friendship. He understood the difference between those who offered support in times of need and those who only sought to benefit themselves.