Tirukural

CHAPTER 93

Avoidance of Drunkenness

921

Those who crave intoxicating drink each day will never be feared and never find fame.§

922

Do not drink liquor. If some wish to, let it be those who have no wish for the esteem of exemplary men.§

923

The sight of a drunken man’s revelry is unbearable even to his own mother. How, then, must it appear to the wise?§

924

The virtuous damsel called Decency will turn her back on men who indulge in the vile vice called drunkenness.§

925

Spending one’s wealth to purchase self-oblivion results from being oblivious to proper conduct.§

926

Those who always sleep are akin to the dead. Those who constantly drink are like men who take poison.§

927

The drooping eyes of those who secretly drink betray that secret, evoking their neighbor’s relentless ridicule.§

928

Stop denying, “I never drink,” for next time you drink, your mind’s hidden deception will be betrayed then and there.§

929

One may as well carry a candle under water to search for a drowned man as use reason to sober a drunk drowned in drink.§

930

Why can’t the drunkard who, when sober, sees another’s drunken stupor realize the degrading shame of his own drunkenness?§