Tirukural/Chapter 44

by Tiruvalluvar

431
Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain,
To sure increase of lofty dignity attain.
 
Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust.

432
A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirth
Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith.

Avarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king.

433
Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem;
As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace 'twill seem.

Those who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree.

434
Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully
'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity.

Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy.

435
His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day,
Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away.

The prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire.

436
Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and then
Permits himself to scan faults of other men.

What fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others.

437
Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind,
His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind.

The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue.

438
The greed of soul that avarice men call,
When faults are summed, is worst of all.

Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all).

439
Never indulge in self-complaisant mood,
Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good.

Let no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things.

440
If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love,
Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove.
 
If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless.