The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
NON-ENVYING
161. Guard thyself from envious thoughts: for freedom from envy is a part of virtuous conduct.
162. No blessing is so great as a nature that is free from all envy.
163. It is he that careth not for virtue or for wealth that envieth his neighbour's prosperity.
164. The wise injure not others through envy: for they know the evils that result therefrom.
165. Envy itself is scourge enough for the envious man : for, even if his enemies spare him, his own envy will work his ruin.
166. Behold the man that beareth not to see gifts made to another : his family will beg for very food and clothing and perish.
167. Lakshmi[1] cannot bear with the envious: she will abandon them to the care of her elder sister[2] and quit their side.
168. Caitiff Envy bringeth on indigence and leadeth up to the gates of hell.
169. The affluence of the envious and the misery of the generous-minded are alike matter for wonder.
170. Never hath envy led to prosperity : nor a liberal heart to a fall therefrom.
