Couplet: Expenditure, return, and profit of the deed In time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed English Explanation: Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act Transliteration: Azhivadhooum Aavadhooum Aaki Vazhipayakkum Oodhiyamum Soozhndhu Seyal
Couplet: With chosen friends deliberate; next use the private thought; Then act By those who thus proceed all works with ease are wrought English Explanation: There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends Transliteration: Therindha Inaththotu Therndhennich Cheyvaarkku Arumporul Yaadhondrum Il
Couplet: To risk one's all and lose, aiming at added gain, Is rash affair, from which the wise abstain English Explanation: Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal Transliteration: Aakkam Karudhi Mudhalizhakkum Seyvinai Ookkaar Arivutai Yaar
Couplet: A work of which the issue is not clear, Begin not they reproachful scorn who fear English Explanation: Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them Transliteration: Thelivi Ladhanaith Thotangaar Ilivennum Edhappaatu Anju Pavar
Couplet: With plans not well matured to rise against your foe, Is way to plant him out where he is sure to grow English Explanation: One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances) Transliteration: Vakaiyarach Choozhaa Thezhudhal Pakaivaraip Paaththip Patuppadho Raaru
Couplet: 'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing; Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring English Explanation: 58 He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to Transliteration: Seydhakka Alla Seyak Ketum Seydhakka Seyyaamai Yaanung Ketum
Couplet: Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry, 'Deed dared, we'll think,' disgraced shall be English Explanation: Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly Transliteration: Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku
Couplet: On no right system if man toil and strive, Though many men assist, no work can thrive English Explanation: The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it Transliteration: Aatrin Varundhaa Varuththam Palarnindru Potrinum Poththup Patum
Couplet: Though well the work be done, yet one mistake is made, To habitudes of various men when no regard is paid English Explanation: There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men Transliteration: Nandraatra Lullun Thavuruntu Avaravar Panparin Thaatraak Katai
Couplet: Plan and perform no work that others may despise; What misbeseems a king the world will not approve as wise English Explanation: Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt Transliteration: Ellaadha Ennich Cheyalventum Thammotu Kollaadha Kollaadhu Ulaku