Tirukural

CHAPTER 79

Friendship

781

What is as difficult to secure as friendship? And what greater security is there against foes?§

782

With wise men, friendship waxes like the crescent moon; with fools, it wanes as surely as the full moon must.§

783

The bonds that good men share are like good bound books, revealing new enchantments at each new encounter.§

784

What matters in making friends is not merrymaking, but a stern rebuking when friends go astray.§

785

It is not constant meeting and companionship, but shared sensibilities that confer the alliance of friendship.§

786

A smiling face is no sure sign of friendship. Friendship is found deep within a smiling heart.§

787

To divert a man from wrong, direct him toward right and share his sorrow in misfortune is comradeship.§

788

As swiftly as the hand moves to seize a slipping garment, friendship acts to assuage a friend’s distress.§

789

Where does Friendship hold her court? It is where friends find constant support in every possible circumstance.§

790

To boast, “He means so much to me, and I to him,” merely belittles a friendship.§