Tirukural

CHAPTER 29

Avoidance of Fraud

281

He who wishes not to be scorned by others guards his own mind against the slightest thought of fraud.§

282

The mere thought of sin is sin. Therefore, avoid even the thought of stealing from another.§

283

A fortune amassed by fraud may appear to prosper but will all too soon perish altogether.§

284

Taking delight in defrauding others yields the fruit of undying suffering when those delights ripen.§

285

Benevolent thoughts and kindly feelings flee from those who watch for another’s unwatchfulness to swindle his property.§

286

Those who walk deceit’s desirous path cannot hope to work wisdom’s measured way.§

287

The dark deceits of fraud cannot be found in those who desire the greatness called virtue.§

288

As righteousness resides in the hearts of the virtuous, so does deceit dwell in the hearts of thieves.§

289

Men who know nothing but deception die a little each time they contrive their crooked deeds.§

290

Even the life in his body will abandon him who cheats others, while Heaven itself never forsakes those who are honest.§