Folly

What one thing merits folly's special name.
Letting gain go, loss for one's own to claim

Explanation
Folly is one (of the chief defects); it is that which (makes one) incur loss and forego gain.

Tamil Transliteration
Pedhaimai Enpadhondru Yaadhenin Edhangontu
Oodhiyam Poka Vital.

'Mid follies chiefest folly is to fix your love
On deeds which to your station unbefitting prove

Explanation
The greatest folly is that which leads one to take delight in doing what is forbidden.

Tamil Transliteration
Pedhaimaiyul Ellaam Pedhaimai Kaadhanmai
Kaiyalla Thankat Seyal.

Ashamed of nothing, searching nothing out, of loveless heart,
Nought cherishing, 'tis thus the fool will play his part

Explanation
Shamelessness indifference (to what must be sought after), harshness, and aversion for everything (that ought to be desired) are the qualities of the fool.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanaamai Naataamai Naarinmai Yaadhondrum
Penaamai Pedhai Thozhil.

The sacred law he reads and learns, to other men expounds,-
Himself obeys not; where can greater fool be found

Explanation
There are no greater fools than he who, though he has read and understood (a great deal) and even taught it to others, does not walk according to his own teaching.

Tamil Transliteration
Odhi Unarndhum Pirarkkuraiththum Thaanatangaap
Pedhaiyin Pedhaiyaar Il.

The fool will merit hell in one brief life on earth,
In which he entering sinks through sevenfold round of birth

Explanation
A fool can procure in a single birth a hell into which he may enter and suffer through all the seven births.

Tamil Transliteration
Orumaich Cheyalaatrum Pedhai Ezhumaiyum
Thaanpuk Kazhundhum Alaru.

When fool some task attempts with uninstructed pains,
It fails; nor that alone, himself he binds with chains

Explanation
If the fool, who knows not how to act undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail (But) is it all ? He will even adorn himself with fetters.

Tamil Transliteration
Poipatum Ondro Punaipoonum Kaiyariyaap
Pedhai Vinaimer Kolin.

When fools are blessed with fortune's bounteous store,
Their foes feed full, their friends are prey to hunger sore

Explanation
If a fool happens to get an immense fortune, his neighbours will enjoy it while his relations starve.

Tamil Transliteration
Edhilaar Aarath Thamarpasippar Pedhai
Perunjelvam Utrak Katai.

When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill be
As when a mad man raves in drunken glee

Explanation
A fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy.

Tamil Transliteration
Maiyal Oruvan Kaliththatraal Pedhaidhan
Kaiyondru Utaimai Perin.

Friendship of fools is very pleasant thing,
Parting with them will leave behind no sting

Explanation
The friendship between fools is exceedingly delightful (to each other): for at parting there will be.

Tamil Transliteration
Peridhinidhu Pedhaiyaar Kenmai Pirivinkan
Peezhai Tharuvadhon Ril.

Like him who seeks his couch with unwashed feet,
Is fool whose foot intrudes where wise men meet

Explanation
The appearance of a fool in an assembly of the learned is like placing (one's) unwashed feet on a bed.

Tamil Transliteration
Kazhaaakkaal Palliyul Vaiththatraal Saandror
Kuzhaaaththup Pedhai Pukal.