Avoiding mean Associations

The great of soul will mean association fear;
The mean of soul regard mean men as kinsmen dear

Explanation
(True) greatness fears the society of the base; it is only the low - minded who will regard them as friends.

Tamil Transliteration
451 Sitrinam Anjum Perumai Sirumaidhaan
Sutramaach Choozhndhu Vitum.

The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow;
As man's companionship so will his wisdom show

Explanation
As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates.

Tamil Transliteration
Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku
Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu.

Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone;
The value of the man by his companionship is known

Explanation
The power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates.

Tamil Transliteration
Manaththaanaam Maandhark Kunarchchi Inaththaanaam
Innaan Enappatunj Chol.

Man's wisdom seems the offspring of his mind;
'Tis outcome of companionship we find

Explanation
Wisdom appears to rest in the mind, but it really exists to a man in his companions.

Tamil Transliteration
Manaththu Ladhupolak Kaatti Oruvarku
Inaththula Thaakum Arivu.

Both purity of mind, and purity of action clear,
Leaning no staff of pure companionship, to man draw near

Explanation
Chaste company is the staff on which come, these two things, viz, purity of mind and purity of conduct.

Tamil Transliteration
Manandhooimai Seyvinai Thooimai Irantum
Inandhooimai Thoovaa Varum.

From true pure-minded men a virtuous race proceeds;
To men of pure companionship belong no evil deeds

Explanation
To the pure-minded there will be a good posterity By those whose associates are pure, no deeds will be done that are not good.

Tamil Transliteration
Manandhooyaark Kechchamnan Raakum Inandhooyaarkku
Illainan Raakaa Vinai.

Goodness of mind to lives of men increaseth gain;
And good companionship doth all of praise obtain

Explanation
Goodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring with it all praise, to men.

Tamil Transliteration
Mananalam Mannuyirk Kaakkam Inanalam
Ellaap Pukazhum Tharum.

To perfect men, though minds right good belong,
Yet good companionship is confirmation strong

Explanation
Yet good companionship is confirmation strong.

Tamil Transliteration
Mananalam Nankutaiya Raayinum Saandrorkku
Inanalam Emaap Putaiththu.

Although to mental goodness joys of other life belong,
Yet good companionship is confirmation strong

Explanation
Future bliss is (the result) of goodness of mind; and even this acquires strength from the society of the good.

Tamil Transliteration
Mananalaththin Aakum Marumaimar Raqdhum
Inanalaththin Emaap Putaiththu.

Than good companionship no surer help we know;
Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe

Explanation
There is no greater help than the company of the good; there is no greater source of sorrow than the company of the wicked.

Tamil Transliteration
Nallinaththi Noongun Thunaiyillai Theeyinaththin
Allar Patuppadhooum Il.