Chapter 47: Acting after due Consideration

அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும்
ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்.

Azhivadhooum Aavadhooum Aaki Vazhipayakkum
Oodhiyamum Soozhndhu Seyal

Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain

Meaning: Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act

தெரிந்த இனத்தொடு தேர்ந்தெண்ணிச் செய்வார்க்கு
அரும்பொருள் யாதொன்றும் இல்

Therindha Inaththotu Therndhennich Cheyvaarkku
Arumporul Yaadhondrum Il

Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts

Meaning: There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends

ஆக்கம் கருதி முதலிழக்கும் செய்வினை
ஊக்கார் அறிவுடை யார்.

Aakkam Karudhi Mudhalizhakkum Seyvinai
Ookkaar Arivutai Yaar

The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all

Meaning: Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal

தெளிவி லதனைத் தொடங்கார் இளிவென்னும்
ஏதப்பாடு அஞ்சு பவர்.

Thelivi Ladhanaith Thotangaar Ilivennum
Edhappaatu Anju Pavar

They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear

Meaning: Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them

வகையறச் சூழா தெழுதல் பகைவரைப்
பாத்திப் படுப்பதோ ராறு.

Vakaiyarach Choozhaa Thezhudhal Pakaivaraip
Paaththip Patuppadho Raaru

Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes

Meaning: One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances)

செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும் செய்தக்க
செய்யாமை யானுங் கெடும்.

Seydhakka Alla Seyak Ketum
Seydhakka Seyyaamai Yaanung Ketum

Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins

Meaning: He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to

எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம் துணிந்தபின்
எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு.

Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin
Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku

Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need

Meaning: Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly

ஆற்றின் வருந்தா வருத்தம் பலர்நின்று
போற்றினும் பொத்துப் படும்.

Aatrin Varundhaa Varuththam Palarnindru
Potrinum Poththup Patum

Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported

Meaning: The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it

நன்றாற்ற லுள்ளுந் தவுறுண்டு அவரவர்
பண்பறிந் தாற்றாக் கடை.

Nandraatra Lullun Thavuruntu Avaravar
Panparin Thaatraak Katai

Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud

Meaning: There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men

எள்ளாத எண்ணிச் செயல்வேண்டும் தம்மோடு
கொள்ளாத கொள்ளாது உலகு.

Ellaadha Ennich Cheyalventum Thammotu
Kollaadha Kollaadhu Ulaku

Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess

Meaning: Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt