The Absence of Fraud

Who seeks heaven's joys, from impious levity secure,
Let him from every fraud preserve his spirit pure

Explanation
Let him, who desires not to be despised, keep his mind from (the desire of) defrauding another of the smallest thing.

Tamil Transliteration
Ellaamai Ventuvaan Enpaan Enaiththondrum
Kallaamai Kaakkadhan Nenju.

'Tis sin if in the mind man but thought conceive;
'By fraud I will my neighbour of his wealth bereave.'

Explanation
Even the thought (of sin) is sin; think not then of crafiily stealing the property of another.

Tamil Transliteration
Ullaththaal Ullalum Theedhe Piranporulaik
Kallaththaal Kalvem Enal.

The gain that comes by fraud, although it seems to grow
With limitless increase, to ruin swift shall go

Explanation
The property, which is acquired by fraud, will entirely perish, even while it seems to increase.

Tamil Transliteration
Kalavinaal Aakiya Aakkam Alavirandhu
Aavadhu Polak Ketum.

The lust inveterate of fraudful gain,
Yields as its fruit undying pain

Explanation
The eager desire of defrauding others will, when it brings forth its fruit, produce undying sorrow.

Tamil Transliteration
Kalavinkan Kandriya Kaadhal Vilaivinkan
Veeyaa Vizhumam Tharum.

'Grace' is not in their thoughts, nor know they kind affection's power,
Who neighbour's goods desire, and watch for his unguarded hour

Explanation
The study of kindness and the exercise of benevolence is not with those who watch for another's forgetfulness, though desire of his property.

Tamil Transliteration
Arulkarudhi Anputaiya Raadhal Porulkarudhip
Pochchaappup Paarppaarkan Il.

They cannot walk restrained in wisdom's measured bound,
In whom inveterate lust of fraudful gain is found

Explanation
They cannot walk steadfastly, according to rule, who eagerly desire to defraud others.

Tamil Transliteration
Alavinkan Nindrozhukal Aatraar Kalavinkan
Kandriya Kaadha Lavar.

Practice of fraud's dark cunning arts they shun,
Who long for power by 'measured wisdom' won

Explanation
That black-knowledge which is called fraud, is not in those who desire that greatness which is called rectitude.

Tamil Transliteration
Kalavennum Kaarari Vaanmai Alavennum
Aatral Purindhaarkanta Il.

As virtue dwells in heart that 'measured wisdom' gains;
Deceit in hearts of fraudful men established reigns

Explanation
Deceit dwells in the mind of those who are conversant with fraud, even as virtue in the minds of those who are conversant with rectitude.

Tamil Transliteration
Alavarindhaar Nenjath Tharampola Nirkum
Kalavarindhaar Nenjil Karavu.

Who have no lore save that which fraudful arts supply,
Acts of unmeasured vice committing straightway die

Explanation
Those, who are acquainted with nothing but fraud, will perish in the very commission of transgression.

Tamil Transliteration
Alavalla Seydhaange Veevar Kalavalla
Matraiya Thetraa Thavar.

The fraudful forfeit life and being here below;
Who fraud eschew the bliss of heavenly beings know

Explanation
Even their body will fail the fraudulent; but even the world of the gods will not fail those who are free from fraud.

Tamil Transliteration
Kalvaarkkuth Thallum Uyirnilai Kalvaarkkuth
Thallaadhu Puththe Lulaku.