Investigation in forming Friendships

To make an untried man your friend is ruin sure;
For friendship formed unbroken must endure

Explanation
As those who are of a friendly nature will not forsake (a friend) after once loving (him), there is no evil so great as contracting a friendship without due inquiry.

Tamil Transliteration
Naataadhu Nattalir Ketillai Nattapin
Veetillai Natpaal Pavarkku.

Alliance with the man you have not proved and proved again,
In length of days will give you mortal pain

Explanation
The friendship contracted by him who has not made repeated inquiry will in the end grieve (him) to death.

Tamil Transliteration
Aaindhaaindhu Kollaadhaan Kenmai Kataimurai
Thaansaam Thuyaram Tharum.

Temper, descent, defects, associations free
From blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee

Explanation
Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations.

Tamil Transliteration
Kunamum Kutimaiyum Kutramum Kundraa
Inanum Arindhiyaakka Natpu.

Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame,
Pay any price so you as friend that man may claim

Explanation
The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutippirandhu Thankan Pazhinaanu Vaanaik
Kotuththum Kolalventum Natpu.

Make them your chosen friend whose words repentance move,
With power prescription's path to show, while evil they reprove

Explanation
You should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach.

Tamil Transliteration
Azhachcholli Alladhu Itiththu Vazhakkariya
Vallaarnatapu Aaindhu Kolal.

Ruin itself one blessing lends:
'Tis staff that measures out one's friends

Explanation
Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations.

Tamil Transliteration
Kettinum Untor Urudhi Kilaignarai
Neetti Alappadhor Kol.

'Tis gain to any man, the sages say,
Friendship of fools to put away

Explanation
It is indead a gain for one to renounce the friendship of fools.

Tamil Transliteration
Oodhiyam Enpadhu Oruvarkup Pedhaiyaar
Kenmai Oreei Vital.

Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor take
For friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake

Explanation
Do not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity.

Tamil Transliteration
Ullarka Ullam Sirukuva Kollarka
Allarkan Aatraruppaar Natpu.

Of friends deserting us on ruin's brink,
'Tis torture e'en in life's last hour to think

Explanation
The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death.

Tamil Transliteration
Ketungaalaik Kaivituvaar Kenmai Atungaalai
Ullinum Ullanj Chutum.

Cling to the friendship of the spotless one's; whate'er you pay
Renounce alliance with the men of evil way

Explanation
Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world).

Tamil Transliteration
Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum
Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu.