Seeking the Support of the Wise
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iṭikkun tuṇaiyārai yāḷvārai yārē / keṭukkun takaimai yavar
“What power can work his fall, who faithful ministers / Employs, that thunder out reproaches when he errs.”
“Who can ruin the man that commandeth the friendship of those that can reprove him?”
Who has the power to ruin one who employs as allies people willing to rebuke wrongdoing directly?
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இடிக்கும் துணையாரை ஆள்வாரை= தீயன கண்டால் நெருங்கிச் சொல்லும் துணையாம் தன்மையை உடையாரை இவர் நமக்குச் சிறந்தார் என்று ஆளும் அரசரை; கெடுக்கும் தகைமையவர் யார்= கெடுக்கும் பெருமையுடைய பகைவர் உலகத்து யாவர்?
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Who in this world possesses the power to ruin a leader who employs as confidants candid advisers who fearlessly rebuke any moral error?