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← Ch 87: The Character of Enmity
நட்பியல் Kural 861
Kural 861

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valiyārkku māṟēṟṟa lōmpuka vōmpā / meliyārmēṉ mēka pakai.

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“With stronger than thyself, turn from the strife away; / With weaker shun not, rather court the fray.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“Strive not with the powerful: but against those that are weaker than thyself carry on wars without relaxing even for one moment.”

Modern readingAI draft

Guard against taking up enmity with those stronger than yourself; but against those weaker, do not hesitate to confront them.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

வலியார்க்கு மாறு ஏற்றல் ஓம்புக= தம்மின் வலியார்க்குப் பகையாய் எதிர்தலை ஒழிக; மெலியார் மேல் பகை ஓம்பா மேக= ஏனை மெலியார்க்குப் பகையாதலை ஒழியாது விரும்புக.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Avoid taking up enmity against those who are stronger than oneself; but against adversaries who are weaker, do not hesitate to confront them.

This verse is in tension

Unresolved against Kural 250
Remember the weaker man and spare him — and pick him as your enemy
மெலியவரை நினைத்து விட்டுவிடு; அதே மெலியவரையே பகைவராகத் தேர்ந்துகொள்

When you go to afflict someone weaker than yourself, remember how you stood in fear before someone stronger.

AI draft · pending scholar review