பேதைமை
Folly
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
831–840
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 831
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பேதைமை என்பதொன்று யாதெனின் ஏதங்கொண்டு
ஊதியம் போக விடல்.
Modern interpretation
Foolishness is choosing what harms you while giving up what would help you. A student who spends needed savings on a risky shortcut may lose both the money and the chance to prepare properly.
Read Kural 831 in full
Kural 832
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பேதைமையுள் எல்லாம் பேதைமை காதன்மை
கையல்ல தன்கட் செயல்.
Modern interpretation
The greatest foolishness is taking pleasure in doing what is wrong or not suited to you. Someone who chases online attention by humiliating another person may enjoy the moment and regret the damage later.
Read Kural 832 in full
Kural 833
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நாணாமை நாடாமை நாரின்மை யாதொன்றும்
பேணாமை பேதை தொழில்
Modern interpretation
A fool is unashamed of wrongdoing, ignores what is worth seeking, lacks kindness, and protects nothing valuable. Someone who will not apologize, learn, care for others, or keep a promise shows all four habits.
Read Kural 833 in full
Kural 834
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஓதி உணர்ந்தும் பிறர் க்குரைத்தும் தானடங்காப்
பேதையின் பேதையார் இல்.
Modern interpretation
No one is more foolish than a person who studies good principles, teaches them to others, and then refuses to live by them. A student who lectures classmates about honesty while cheating has learned words, not wisdom.
Read Kural 834 in full
Kural 835
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஒருமைச் செயலாற்றும் பேதை எழுமையும்
தான்புக் கழுந்தும் அளறு.
Modern interpretation
One reckless choice can create suffering that lasts for years, as if a person had built their own prison. A careless post that destroys trust can close doors long after the original moment has passed.
Read Kural 835 in full
Kural 836
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பொய்படும் ஒன்றோ புனைபூணும் கையறியாப்
பேதை வினைமேற் கொளின்.
Modern interpretation
A person who takes on work without knowing how to do it may fail and then face serious consequences. If someone accepts a technical task without learning or asking for help, the project and their own reputation may suffer.
Read Kural 836 in full
Kural 837
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஏதிலார் ஆரத் தமர்பசிப்பர் பேதை
பெருஞ்செல்வம் உற்றக் கடை.
Modern interpretation
When a foolish person gains great wealth, outsiders may enjoy it while the people who depend on them go without. Someone who spends family savings impressing new friends may leave their own household struggling.
Read Kural 837 in full
Kural 838
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மையல் ஒருவன் களித்தற்றால் பேதைதன்
கையொன்று உடைமை பெறின்.
Modern interpretation
When a foolish person suddenly gains money or power, the result can be like giving alcohol to someone already dizzy. An immature person with new authority may become reckless instead of using it responsibly.
Read Kural 838 in full
Kural 839
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பெரிதினிது பேதையார் கேண்மை பிரிவின்கண்
பீழை தருவதொன் றில்.
Modern interpretation
The friendship of fools is easy to leave because neither person has built anything worth missing. Two unreliable friends may drift apart after a shallow shared interest, and neither feels much pain.
Read Kural 839 in full
Kural 840
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
கழாஅக்கால் பள்ளியுள் வைத்தற்றால் சான்றோர்
குழாஅத்துப் பேதை புகல்.
Modern interpretation
A person who enters a thoughtful gathering without basic respect or preparation can disturb it like unwashed feet on a clean bed. Someone who interrupts a serious discussion with loud, uninformed claims makes the whole group uncomfortable.
Read Kural 840 in full