Tirukural

CHAPTER 107

Dread of Begging

1061

It is ten million times better not to beg, even from those precious men whose joy is giving and who thus never refuse.§

1062

Were it the World-Creator’s wish for men to live by begging, men might wish that He, too, die a wandering beggar.§

1063

There is no greater foolhardiness than to say, “I shall end the pains of poverty by begging.”§

1064

This entire world is too small to contain the dignity of men who will not stoop to beg, even in the direst destitution.§

1065

Though it is only gruel, thin as water, nothing is more savory than food that is earned by the labor of one’s own hands.§

1066

The tongue finds nothing more distasteful than begging, even just to beg drinking water for a cow.§

1067

This I beg of all beggars: “If you must beg, beg not from misers.”§

1068

The unsturdy ship called begging will break apart the moment it crashes against the rock of refusal.§

1069

Thoughts of a beggar’s plight melt the heart. Thoughts of refusals he receives crush it completely.§

1070

Having said “no” to a beggar, knowing it might kill the poor man, where is a miser going to hide from his word?§