சூது
Gambling
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
931–940
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
A simple reading path
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 931
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
வேண்டற்க வென்றிடினும் சூதினை வென்றதூஉம்
தூண்டிற்பொன் மீன்விழுங்கி அற்று.
Modern interpretation
Even a win does not make gambling safe; it can be the bait that hides the trap. For example, a lucky first bet may tempt someone to keep playing until losses exceed the original win.
Read Kural 931 in full
Kural 932
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஒன்றெய்தி நூறிழக்கும் சூதர்க்கும் உண்டாங்கொல்
நன்றெய்தி வாழ்வதோர் ஆறு.
Modern interpretation
A gambler who wins once but loses a hundred times cannot build a happy life through gambling. For example, using rent money to chase back losses can leave a family facing debt.
Read Kural 932 in full
Kural 933
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உருளாயம் ஓவாது கூறின் பொருளாயம்
போஒய்ப் புறமே படும்.
Modern interpretation
If someone keeps rolling dice for profit, their wealth and the means of earning it can pass into other people’s hands. For example, a person may sell savings or tools for betting and lose both money and livelihood.
Read Kural 933 in full
Kural 934
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
சிறுமை பலசெய்து சீரழக்கும் சூதின்
வறுமை தருவதொன்று இல்.
Modern interpretation
Nothing creates poverty like gambling, which brings many troubles and destroys reputation. For example, repeated betting can lead to debt, broken promises, and lost trust at home and work.
Read Kural 934 in full
Kural 935
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
கவறும் கழகமும் கையும் தருக்கி
இவறியார் இல்லாகி யார்.
Modern interpretation
People who refuse to give up gambling, the gambling venue, and the thrill of the game can end up with nothing. For example, someone may spend every payday at betting shops until bills and savings are gone.
Read Kural 935 in full
Kural 936
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
அகடாரார் அல்லல் உழப்பர்சூ தென்னும்
முகடியான் மூடப்பட் டார்.
Modern interpretation
Those trapped by gambling may neglect even their basic needs while suffering through constant worry. For example, a person chasing losses may skip meals or borrow money instead of caring for themselves.
Read Kural 936 in full
Kural 937
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பழகிய செல்வமும் பண்பும் கெடுக்கும்
கழகத்துக் காலை புகின்.
Modern interpretation
Spending time gambling can destroy both inherited wealth and good character. For example, someone may waste family savings and start lying to relatives to keep playing.
Read Kural 937 in full
Kural 938
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பொருள் கெடுத்துப் பொய்மேற் கொளீஇ அருள்கெடுத்து
அல்லல் உழப்பிக்கும் சூது.
Modern interpretation
Gambling can destroy money, encourage lies, weaken compassion, and bring misery. For example, a bettor who hides losses may deceive family members and become unable to help anyone else.
Read Kural 938 in full
Kural 939
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உடைசெல்வம் ஊண்ஒளி கல்விஎன்று ஐந்தும்
அடையாவாம் ஆயங் கொளின்.
Modern interpretation
Gambling can drive away five essentials: clothing, wealth, food, reputation, and learning. For example, money spent on betting may replace tuition, groceries, and basic necessities.
Read Kural 939 in full
Kural 940
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
இழத்தொறூஉம் காதலிக்கும் சூதேபோல் துன்பம்
உழத்தொறூஉம் காதற்று உயிர்.
Modern interpretation
The more a gambler loses, the more they may crave gambling—just as suffering can make a person cling more tightly to life. For example, after losing money, someone may keep betting to recover it and sink even deeper.
Read Kural 940 in full