The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 22
CHAPTER 22
COMPLAISANCE
211. The gracious expect no return when they oblige : how ever can the world repay the rain-cloud ?
212. The substance gathered in by the worthy by the labour of their hands is all for others' use.
213. A better thing than a gracious complaisance cannot be had either here or in heaven.
214. He alone liveth who knoweth what is proper : he who knoweth not what is fitting shall be classed with the dead.
215. Behold the village tank filled with water to its brim : like unto it is the prosperity of the wise man that loveth the world.
216. Like unto a fruit-tree in the middle of the village bearing fruit is riches in the hands of the man of heart.
217. Like unto a tree that yieldeth medicinal drugs and drieth not is riches in the hands of the generous man.
218. Behold the men who know what is just and proper : they fail not to oblige others even when fallen on evil days.
219. The complaisant man thinketh himself poor only when he is impotent to oblige those who solicit his aid.
220. If ruin cometh as a result of complaisance, it is worth courting even by selling one's own self into slavery.
