Quotes from Thiruvalluvar

As the quality of water changes with the nature of the soil;So will a man's reason vary with the quality of his friends.

Among a man's many good possessions, A good command of speech has no equal. Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue. Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.

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.

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.

The quantity of a man's wealth will not last long if his generous nature is not balanced with the size of his property.

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.

It is the prowess of scholars that meetings bring delight and departures leave memories.

There may be many who will gladly face death in the battlefield, but few who will face a hostile society.

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.

To guard and to deal with others' goods as one's own is considered as the mark of proper trade among merchants.

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.

A man who always speaks the truth wholeheartedly is greater than those who do penance and deeds of charity.

The lotus' stem is as long as the depth of water, So men's height is just as great as their inner strength.

A wise person does not undertake any business with the risk of losing the capital money in search of making a profit.

The entire world is a witness to the phenomenon that sorrows keep away from the kindhearted and compassionate.

Friendship with the wise gets better with time, as a good book gets better with age.

Those who worship God only, can get rid of anxiety of mind; others cannot.

A timely benefit, -though thing of little worth, The gift itself, -in excellence transcends the earth

Not every light is a true light; To the wise the light of truth is light itself.

Is there any way to safeguard and acquire wealth? Yes, there is one sure way: namely, never to covet the wealth of another.

Pleasant speech yields joy to all, and observing this, is there any need for unpleasant speech?

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.

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.

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.