Not Backbiting

Though virtuous words his lips speak not, and all his deeds are ill
If neighbour he defame not, there's good within him still

Explanation
Though one do not even speak of virtue and live in sin, it will be well if it be said of him "he does not backbite.".

Tamil Transliteration
Arangooraan Alla Seyinum Oruvan
Purangooraan Endral Inidhu.

Than he who virtue scorns, and evil deeds performs, more vile,
Is he that slanders friend, then meets him with false smile

Explanation
To smile deceitfully (in another's presence) after having reviled him to his destruction (behind his back) is a greater evil than the commission of (every other) sin and the destruction of (every) virtue.

Tamil Transliteration
Aranazheei Allavai Seydhalin Theedhe
Puranazheeip Poiththu Nakai.

'Tis greater gain of virtuous good for man to die,
Than live to slander absent friend, and falsely praise when nigh

Explanation
Death rather than life will confer upon the deceitful backbiter the profit which (the treatises on) virtue point out.

Tamil Transliteration
Purangoorip Poiththuyir Vaazhdhalin Saadhal
Arangootrum Aakkath Tharum.

In presence though unkindly words you speak, say not
In absence words whose ill result exceeds your thought

Explanation
Though you speak without kindness before another's face speak not in his absence words which regard not the evil subsequently resulting from it.

Tamil Transliteration
Kannindru Kannarach Chollinum Sollarka
Munnindru Pinnokkaach Chol.

The slanderous meanness that an absent friend defames,
'This man in words owns virtue, not in heart,' proclaims

Explanation
The emptiness of that man's mind who (merely) praises virtue will be seen from the meanness of reviling another behind his back.

Tamil Transliteration
Aranjollum Nenjaththaan Anmai Puranjollum
Punmaiyaar Kaanap Patum.

Who on his neighbours' sins delights to dwell,
The story of his sins, culled out with care, the world will tell

Explanation
The character of the faults of that man who publishes abroad the faults of others will be sought out and published.

Tamil Transliteration
Piranpazhi Kooruvaan Thanpazhi Yullum
Thirandherindhu Koorap Patum.

With friendly art who know not pleasant words to say,
Speak words that sever hearts, and drive choice friends away

Explanation
Those who know not to live in friendship with amusing conversation will by back-biting estrange even their relatives.

Tamil Transliteration
Pakachchollik Kelirp Pirippar Nakachcholli
Natpaatal Thetraa Thavar.

Whose nature bids them faults of closest friends proclaim
What mercy will they show to other men's good name

Explanation
What will those not do to strangers whose nature leads them to publish abroad the faults of their intimate friends ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Thunniyaar Kutramum Thootrum Marapinaar
Ennaikol Edhilaar Maattu.

'Tis charity, I ween, that makes the earth sustain their load
Who, neighbours' absence watching, tales or slander tell abroad

Explanation
The world through charity supports the weight of those who reproach others observing their absence.

Tamil Transliteration
Arannokki Aatrungol Vaiyam Purannokkip
Punsol Uraippaan Porai.

If each his own, as neighbours' faults would scan,
Could any evil hap to living man

Explanation
If they observed their own faults as they observe the faults of others, would any evil happen to men ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Edhilaar Kutrampol Thangutrang Kaankirpin
Theedhunto Mannum Uyirkku.