The true nature of all wealth is temporary; those who have wealth must here and now do good deeds that will live for a long time. – Thiruvalluvar
The entire world is a witness to the phenomenon that sorrows keep away from the kindhearted and compassionate. – Thiruvalluvar
The first and most important thing a man should keep away from is not doing harm of any kind knowingly to anyone, at any time. – Thiruvalluvar
To guard and to deal with others’ goods as one’s own is considered as the mark of proper trade among merchants. – Thiruvalluvar
The benefit a father can confer on his son is to make him fit to occupy the front rank in the assembly of the learned. – Thiruvalluvar
A man who always speaks the truth wholeheartedly is greater than those who do penance and deeds of charity. – Thiruvalluvar
The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect and friendship of the wise men who can find fault, disagree, and correct him. – Thiruvalluvar
One who cannot live in harmony with others is regarded as an ignorant fool, even if he happens to be very learned in various matters. – Thiruvalluvar
Indulgence in frivolous speech not only reveals one’s lack of moral character, but it deprives him of good qualities also. – Thiruvalluvar
One who has no love in his heart will try to possess everything for himself. One who has love in his heart is ready to sacrifice everything, including his own body, for the benefit of others. – Thiruvalluvar
To embrace the whole world in friendship is wisdom. This wisdom is not changeable like the flowers that bloom and fade. – Thiruvalluvar
The poverty of a man of benevolence is not to be considered as poverty but only as his temporary inability to exercise his inherent duty. – Thiruvalluvar
The most valuable wealth of a man is his knowledge, which cannot be destroyed; all other riches that he has gained are not considered to be wealth at all. – Thiruvalluvar
The quantity of a man’s wealth will not last long if his generous nature is not balanced with the size of his property. – Thiruvalluvar
People of noble character are afraid of keeping friendship with dishonorable people. But people of discreditable character consider friendship with the dishonorable as a blood relationship. – Thiruvalluvar
A wise person does not undertake any business with the risk of losing the capital money in search of making a profit. – Thiruvalluvar
It is good to forget one’s anger against one’s wrongdoer, whoever he may be, for countless number of evils will quickly grow from this anger. – Thiruvalluvar
Is there any way to safeguard and acquire wealth? Yes, there is one sure way: namely, never to covet the wealth of another. – Thiruvalluvar
Pleasant speech yields joy to all, and observing this, is there any need for unpleasant speech? – Thiruvalluvar
