Not Stealing
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aḷavaṟintār neñcat taṟampōla niṟkuṅ / kaḷavaṟintār neñciṟ karavu
“As virtue dwells in heart that 'measured wisdom' gains; / Deceit in hearts of fraudful men established reigns.”
“As Righteousness resideth in the heart of him who valueth things aright, even so Deceit hath its seat in the heart of the thief.”
As virtue abides in the heart of those who understand measured discernment, concealment abides in the heart of those practiced in theft.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
அளவு அறிந்தார் நெஞ்சத்து அறம்போல நிற்கும்= அவ்வளத்தலையே பயின்றவர் நெஞ்சத்து அறம் நிலைபெற்றாற் போல நிலைபெறும்; களவு அறிந்தார் நெஞ்சில் கரவு= களவையே பயின்றவர் நெஞ்சத்து வஞ்சனை.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Just as righteousness remains firmly established in the heart of those who discern ethical boundaries, dishonesty remains deeply rooted in the heart of those habituated to deceit.