Thiruvalluvar

People of noble character are afraid of keeping friendship with dishonorable people. But people of discreditable character consider friendship with the dishonorable as a blood relationship.

To embrace the whole world in friendship is wisdom. This wisdom is not changeable like the flowers that bloom and fade.

The most valuable wealth of a man is his knowledge, which cannot be destroyed; all other riches that he has gained are not considered to be wealth at all.

The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect and friendship of the wise men who can find fault, disagree, and correct him.

The vast world rainless, one may bid adieuTo charity and penance.

Conquer with forbearanceThe excesses of insolence.

Folded hands may conceal a dagger --Likewise a foe's tears.

Cling to the One who clings to nothing;And so clinging, cease to cling.

Virtue alone is happiness; all elseIs else, and without praise.

Although an act of help done timely, might be small in nature, it is truly larger than the world itself.

I never saw Death before, and now I seeThat it is warring eyes in a woman's form.

Forsake not the friendship of those who have been your staff in adversity, Forget not be benevolence of the blameless.

A timely benefit, -though thing of little worth,The gift itself, -in excellence transcends the earth

Reasoning with a drunkard is likeGoing under water with a torch to seek for a drowning man.

The immoral can no more earn respectThan the envious be rich.

He who on earth has lived in the conjugal state as he should live, will be placed among the Gods who dwell in heaven

From whomsoever one hears anything, it is wisdom to understand the true import of it.

Fame is a jealous mistressAnd will brook no rival.