Kural - 1030

When trouble the foundation saps the house must fall,
If no strong hand be nigh to prop the tottering wall

Explanation
If there are none to prop up and maintain a family (in distress), it will fall at the stroke of the axe of misfortune.

Tamil Transliteration
Itukkankaal Kondrita Veezhum Atuththoondrum
Nallaal Ilaadha Kuti.