Kural #874
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
குணனும் குடிமையும் குற்றமும் குன்றா
இனனும் அறிந்தியாக்க நட்பு
Kuṇaṉum kuṭimaiyum kuṟṟamum kuṉṟā
Iṉaṉum aṟintiyākka naṭpu
English translation
Establish friendship only after knowing one's character, lineage, faults, and unfailing associates.
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Explanation
Before befriending someone, investigate four aspects: குணன் (character), குடிமை (family background), குற்றம் (faults), and இனன் (associates). This prevents future enmity from ill-chosen friendships.
விளக்கம்
ஒருவரை நண்பராக்கும் முன், அவர் குணம், குடும்பப் பெருமை, குறைகள், மற்றும் நம்பிக்கையான உறவினர்கள் பற்றி அறிய வேண்டும். பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல் அதிகாரத்தில், தவறான நட்பால் வரும் பகையை தவிர்க்க இது உதவும். நல்ல நட்பே சிறந்த செல்வம்.
Word meanings
- குணன்kuṇaṉcharacter/quality
- குடிமைkuṭimailineage/family status
- குற்றம்kuṟṟamfaults/defects
- குன்றாkuṉṟāunfailing/constant
- இனன்iṉaṉassociate/kinsman
- அறிந்துaṟintuknowing
- இயாக்கiyākkaestablish
- நட்புnaṭpufriendship
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two merchants, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his generosity, readily befriended anyone. Bala, however, was cautious. One day, a charming stranger, Ravi, arrived, proposing a partnership to trade silks. Arun, swayed by Ravi’s charisma, immediately agreed, ignoring whispers about Ravi’s past debts. Bala, hesitant, discreetly inquired about Ravi's family and associates, discovering a history of broken promises and unreliable companions. Arun and Ravi’s venture began well, but soon, Ravi’s debts caught up. Suppliers demanded immediate payment. Ravi vanished, leaving Arun with significant losses and a tarnished reputation. Bala, having declined the partnership, observed Arun's misfortune with a heavy heart. He knew Arun's kindness was genuine, but his haste in forming the friendship had cost him dearly. Bala continued his own trade, prospering steadily, his caution proving a shield against potential ruin.