Chapter 80: Investigation in forming Friendships

நாடாது நட்டலிற் கேடில்லை நட்டபின்
வீடில்லை நட்பாள் பவர்க்கு.

Naataadhu Nattalir Ketillai Nattapin
Veetillai Natpaal Pavarkku

Than testless friendship nought is worse For contacts formed will scarcely cease

Meaning: As those who are of a friendly nature will not forsake (a friend) after once loving (him), there is no evil so great as contracting a friendship without due inquiry

ஆய்ந்தாய்ந்து கொள்ளாதான் கேண்மை கடைமுறை
தான்சாம் துயரம் தரும்.

Aaindhaaindhu Kollaadhaan Kenmai Kataimurai
Thaansaam Thuyaram Tharum

Friendship made without frequent test Shall end in grief and death at last

Meaning: The friendship contracted by him who has not made repeated inquiry will in the end grieve (him) to death

குணமும் குடிமையும் குற்றமும் குன்றா
இனனும் அறிந்தியாக்க நட்பு.

Kunamum Kutimaiyum Kutramum Kundraa
Inanum Arindhiyaakka Natpu

Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions

Meaning: Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations

குடிப்பிறந்து தன்கண் பழிநாணு வானைக்
கொடுத்தும் கொளல்வேண்டும் நட்பு.

Kutippirandhu Thankan Pazhinaanu Vaanaik
Kotuththum Kolalventum Natpu

Take as good friend at any price The nobly born who shun disgrace

Meaning: The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing

அழச்சொல்லி அல்லது இடித்து வழக்கறிய
வல்லார்நடபு ஆய்ந்து கொளல்.

Azhachcholli Alladhu Itiththu Vazhakkariya
Vallaarnatapu Aaindhu Kolal

Who make you weep and chide wrong trends And lead you right are worthy friends

Meaning: You should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach

கேட்டினும் உண்டோர் உறுதி கிளைஞரை
நீட்டி அளப்பதோர் கோல்.

Kettinum Untor Urudhi Kilaignarai
Neetti Alappadhor Kol

Is there a test like misfortune A rod to measure out kinsmen?

Meaning: Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations

ஊதியம் என்பது ஒருவற்குப் பேதையார்
கேண்மை ஒரீஇ விடல்.

Oodhiyam Enpadhu Oruvarkup Pedhaiyaar
Kenmai Oreei Vital

Keep off contacts with fools; that is The greatest gain so say the wise

Meaning: It is indead a gain for one to renounce the friendship of fools

உள்ளற்க உள்ளம் சிறுகுவ கொள்ளற்க
அல்லற்கண் ஆற்றறுப்பார் நட்பு.

Ullarka Ullam Sirukuva Kollarka
Allarkan Aatraruppaar Natpu

Off with thoughts that depress the heart Off with friends that in woe depart

Meaning: Do not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity

கெடுங்காலைக் கைவிடுவார் கேண்மை அடுங்காலை
உள்ளினும் உள்ளஞ் சுடும்.

Ketungaalaik Kaivituvaar Kenmai Atungaalai
Ullinum Ullanj Chutum

Friends who betray at ruin's brink Burn our mind ev'n at death to think

Meaning: The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death

மருவுக மாசற்றார் கேண்மைஒன் றீத்தும்
ஒருவுக ஒப்பிலார் நட்பு.

Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum
Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu

The blameless ones as friends embarace; Give something and give up the base

Meaning: Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world)