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Chapter 80 of 133Wealth

நட்பாராய்தல்

Investigation in forming Friendships

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

791800

Reading

10 couplets

Section

பொருட்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 791

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நாடாது நட் டலிற் கேடில்லை நட்டபின்

வீடில்லை நட்பாள் பவர்க்கு.

Modern interpretation

Because kind-hearted people may not easily abandon someone they have accepted, choosing a friend without careful thought can bring great harm. It is wiser to examine a relationship before becoming deeply tied to it. For example, notice how someone treats others before trusting them with personal matters.

Read Kural 791 in full

Kural 792

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஆய்ந்தாய்ந்து கொள்ளாதான் கேண்மை கடைமுறை

தான்சாம் துயரம் தரும்.

Modern interpretation

A friendship chosen without repeated care and judgment can eventually cause deep suffering. First impressions are not enough for a close bond. For example, ignoring a person's repeated dishonesty may later leave you responsible for debts or damage caused by their choices.

Read Kural 792 in full

Kural 793

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

குணமும் குடிமையும் குற்றமும் குன்றா

இனனும் அறிந்தியாக்க நட்பு.

Modern interpretation

Before forming a close friendship, look at a person's character, habits, faults, background, and the people around them. Understanding the whole pattern is wiser than judging one charming moment. For example, notice whether a new friend is honest with family, classmates, and strangers alike.

Read Kural 793 in full

Kural 794

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

குடிப்பிறந்து தன்கண் பழிநாணு வானைக்

கொடுத்தும் கொளல்வேண்டும் நட்பு.

Modern interpretation

A person with good values who feels ashamed of doing wrong is worth making a real effort to befriend. A sense of responsibility is a sign of trustworthy character. For example, a colleague who admits a mistake and works to fix it may be worth keeping close, even if earning their trust takes time.

Read Kural 794 in full

Kural 795

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அழச்சொல்லி அல்லது இடித்து வழக்கறிய

வல்லார்நடபு ஆய்ந்து கொளல்.

Modern interpretation

Choose friends who can warn you before you do wrong, correct you afterward, and understand how life works. Their advice may hurt, but it protects you. For example, a good friend will challenge a dishonest plan instead of cheering you on just to stay popular.

Read Kural 795 in full

Kural 796

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கேட்டினும் உண்டோ ர் உறுதி கிளைஞரை

நீட்டி அளப்பதோர் கோல்.

Modern interpretation

Hard times contain one useful lesson: they reveal who your real friends are. Trouble measures loyalty more clearly than easy days do. For example, when a family faces sudden financial difficulty, the people who offer practical help show the depth of their care.

Read Kural 796 in full

Kural 797

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஊதியம் என்பது ஒருவற்குப் பேதையார்

கேண்மை ஒரீஇ விடல்.

Modern interpretation

Leaving the friendship of foolish people can itself be a gain. A harmful companion can waste judgment, time, and opportunity. For example, stepping away from friends who pressure you into reckless behavior can improve your studies, health, and future.

Read Kural 797 in full

Kural 798

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உள்ளற்க உள்ளம் சிறுகுவ கொள்ளற்க

அல்லற்கண் ஆற்றறுப்பார் நட்பு.

Modern interpretation

Do not fill your mind with choices that destroy your courage, and do not choose friends who will leave you in trouble. Both discouraging thoughts and unreliable companions weaken you. For example, before joining a risky venture, ask whether the people involved will still stand by you when it becomes difficult.

Read Kural 798 in full

Kural 799

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கெடுங்காலைக் கைவிடுவார் கேண்மை அடுங்காலை

உள்ளினும் உள்ளஞ் சுடும்.

Modern interpretation

When people abandon us in our worst hour, remembering that betrayal can hurt even long afterward. A friendship that disappears in crisis leaves a lasting wound. For example, someone may remember for years the friend who walked away when help was urgently needed.

Read Kural 799 in full

Kural 800

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மருவுக மாசற்றார் கேண்மைஒன் றீத்தும்

ஒருவுக ஒப்பிலார் நட்பு.

Modern interpretation

Stay close to people who are sincere and free from harmful motives, and leave relationships with people whose values repeatedly conflict with what is right. A clean friendship is worth protecting, while a damaging one may be worth ending at a cost. For example, it can be wiser to leave a dishonest group than to keep belonging at the price of your integrity.

Read Kural 800 in full