Hebrew Proverbs and Ancient Tamil Proverbs

Book of Proverbs and Tirukural: A Study in Comparison Contents

• I. Introduction • II. Tirukural: An Overview • III. Proverbs and Tirukural: A Comparison • IV. Proverbs and Tirukural: Commonalities and Differences • V. Place of Tirukural among Today • VI. Conclusion • VII. Resources

HEBREW TAMIL I. INTRODUCTION

• Book of Proverbs contains a dedicated collection of Hebrew proverbs in the Old Testament.

• Tiru-ku-ral is selected from among the ancient Tamil literatures for comparative study, because of its ancient-ness, pithiness and its continued influence upon Tamils until today as a major moral force. TAMILNADU (“Land of Tamils”) • Both books have universal flavor and appeal to morality, social- responsibility, right-living, etc. II. TIRUKURAL: AN OVERVIEW Prof. on Tirukural Tamil Scholar, Czech Republic

• “Thirukkural is a contribution of the Tamil creative genius to the world cultural treasure and should be familiar to the whole world and admired and beloved by all in the same way as the poems of Homer, the dramas of Shakespeare, the pictures of Rembrandt, the cathedrals of France and the sculptures of Greece”

Tirukural: What is It? • Tiru-ku-ral is the oldest secular collection of proverbs / sayings in , one of the two classical languages in India (other language is ). • THE most-translated Indian book • Author = Tiru-vallu-var, a Tamil Philosopher • Tirukural – dated around 2nd cent BC . “Tiru” = Honourable; . “Kural” = Proverbial poems / couplet • Tirukural is also known as . Tamil Marai – Tamil Scriptures . Poy-ya- – Infallible Sayings . Uttara vedam – Greatest Veda . Deiva Nool – Divine Book

…. OVERVIEW

• 133 chapters and 1330 couplets “Without • 3 Major Divisions disciplined . (Virtue) – Focuses on character, character, discipline (1-38 one cannot chapters) meaningfully . (Wealth) – Focuses on contribute to the world outside; social the society relationships, etc (39-108) around and . (Love) – Focuses on experience love, lust, heart-break and the virtues of reunion (109-133 chapters) love.”

…cont. OVERVIEW • All kurals / couplets contains 7 words: . 4 words in the first line . 3 words in the second line

• The first Kural begins with “Aa/அ” (first letter) and the last kural (1330th) ends with th “in/ன்” (the 246 /last letter of Tamil alphabets)

III. PROVERBS AND TIRUKURAL: A COMPARISON SELECTED THEMES

1. God 9. Knowledge of 2. Family Power, Time, Place 3. Pleasant Speech 10. Determination 4. Gratitude 11. Governance / King 5. Against 12. Friendship Covetousness 13. Folly 6. Compassion 14. Not Drinking 7. Anger / Evil 15. Praise and Pain of 8. Learning Love

1. God (Tirukural)

• அகர 믁தல எ폁த்ததல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் 믁தற்றே உல埁 (1) • Aka-ra Mu-dha-la Ezhu-thel-laam Aa-dhi Pa-ka-van Mu-dha-tre Ula-ku • As the letter “A” is the first of all letters, so the eternal God is first in the world

• கற்ேதனால் ஆய பயதனன்தகால் வாலேிவன் நற்ோள் ததாழாஅர் எனின் (2) • Katradhanaal Aaya Payanenkol Vaalarivan Natraal Thozhaaar Enin • Education is meaningless when it does not lead to the worship of true God …God (Tirukural)

• மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாண羿 றைர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீ翁வாழ் வார் (3) • Malarmisai Ekinaan Maanati Serndhaar Nilamisai Neetuvaazh Vaar • Those who hold on to the feet of God shall flourish longer on the earth.

• தனக்埁வசம இல்லாதான் தாள்றைர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால் மனக்கவசல மாற்ேல் அ쎿鏁 (7) • Thanakkuvamai Illaadhaan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal Manakkavalai Maatral Aridhu Unless we unite ourselves with the incomprehensible God, it is impossible to remove endless anxiety from our minds.

God in Proverbs • References: 1:7, 3:4,5,7,9, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 15:3, 28:14, etc

• God as the Creator of everything (3:19, 8:22), so acknowledge Him. • God is present and administers the entire universe. • Fear of the Lord is the central theme. Seeking wisdom without fearing God is folly (1:7). • It relates every human conducts, and responses in relation to the Lord. • God-centred world-view 2. Family

• அன்ꯁம் அேꟁம் உசைத்தாயின் இல்வாழ்க்சக பண்ꯁம் பயꟁம் அ鏁 (45) • Anpum Aranum Utaiththaayin Ilvaazhkkai Panpum Payanum Adhu • Family life, motivated by love and virtue, endows it with usefulness and happiness.

• ததய்வம் ததாழாஅள் தகா폁நற் தோ폁தத폁வாள் தபய்தயனப் தபய்뿁ம் மசழ (55) • Theyvam Thozhaaal Kozhunan Thozhudhezhuvaal Peyyenap Peyyum Mazhai • If a wife, who does not worship God, but her husband, say, "let it rain," it will rain. …Family (Tirukural)

• 埁ழலினி தியாழினி ததன்பதம் மக்கள் மழசலச்தைால் றகளா தவர் (66) • Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham Makkal Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar • "The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not paid attention to the prattle of their own children

• அன்பிலார் எல்லாம் தமக்埁쎿யர் அன்ꯁசையார் என்ꯁம் உ쎿யர் பிேர்க்埁 (72) • Anpilaar Ellaam Thamakkuriyar Anputaiyaar Enpum Uriyar Pirarkku • The loveless ones want all for themselves; the tender- hearted will give all they have for others. Family (Proverbs) • References: 4:18-19, 12:4, 15:27, 17:6, 18:22, 19:4, 31:10 – A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband (12:4) – House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD (19:4) • Proverbs assures that having a good family is God’s blessing • Wives’ role is emphasised (31:) • Children are to be guided in right path and discipline emphasised • God’s word as base for family • It’s main context of teaching is family, evidenced in its use of father, mother, son, etc.

3. Pleasant Speech (Tirukural)

• அகன்அமர்ந் தீதலின் நன்றே 믁கனமர்ந்鏁 இன்தைாலன் ஆகப் தபேின் (92) • Akanamarndhu Eedhalin Nandre Mukanamarndhu Insolan Aakap Perin • Sweet speech, with a cheerful countenance is better than a gift made with a joyous mind

• பணிퟁசையன் இன்தைாலன் ஆதல் ஒ쏁வற்埁 அணியல்ல மற்쟁ப் பிே (95) • Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal Oruvarku Aniyalla Matrup Pira • Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments) …Pleasant Speech (Tirukural)

• ைி쟁சம뿁ள் நீங்கிய இன்தைால் ம쟁சம뿁ம் இம்சம뿁ம் இன்பம் த쏁ம் (98) • Sirumaiyul Neengiya Insol Marumaiyum Immaiyum Inpam Tharum • Sweet speech, free from harm to others, will give pleasure both in this world and in the next

• இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத 埂ேல் கனிஇ쏁ப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்쟁 (100) • Iniya Ulavaaka Innaadha Kooral Kaniiruppak Kaaikavarn Thatru • To say unplesant things when plesant words are at hand is like eating unriped fruit when there is well-riped fruit Pleasant Speech (Proverbs) • References: 10:20, 12:18, 15:49, 16:24, 24:26, 25:11 – Pleasant words are pure (15:26b) – Pleasant words are as honeycomb (16:23)

• Proverbs contrasts wise words vs. foolish talk (16:13) • Wisdom is knowing how to speak, when to speak, whom to speak, etc (17:27, 29:20). • It warns people to keep away from bad speech – slander, flattery, perversity, lying (6:12b)

4. Gratitude

• காலத்தி னாற்தைய்த நன்ேி ைிேிததனிꟁம் ஞாலத்தின் மாணப் தப쎿鏁 (102) • Kaalaththi Naarseydha Nandri Siridheninum Gnaalaththin Maanap Peridhu • A favour conferred in the time of need, though it be small (in itself), is (in value) much larger than the world

• மேவற்க மாைற்ோர் றகண்சம 鏁ேவற்க 鏁ன்பத்鏁ள் 鏁ப்பாயார் நட்ꯁ (106) • Maravarka Maasatraar Kenmai Thuravarka Thunpaththul Thuppaayaar Natpu • Forsake not the friendship of those who stood with you in adversity; Forget not be benevolence of the blameless. …Gratitude (Tirukural)

• நன்ேி மேப்ப鏁 நன்ேன்쟁 நன்ேல்ல鏁 அன்றே மேப்ப鏁 நன்쟁 (108) • Nandri Marappadhu Nandrandru Nandralladhu Andre Marappadhu Nandru • Forget not any benefits received; Forget an injury even in the very inflicted moment

• எந்நன்ேி தகான்ோர்க்埁ம் உய்ퟁண்ைாம் உய்வில்சல தைய்ந்நன்ேி தகான்ே மகற்埁 (110) • Ennandri Kondraarkkum Uyvuntaam Uyvillai Seynnandri Kondra Makarku • A killer of every virtue may yet eternal rest; but not for the killers of the virtue of gratitude. Gratitude (Proverbs) • References: 17:13 – If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house

• Proverbs points out the importance of reciprocating gratitude • Its advice to “remember” implies grateful recollection of received wisdom

5. Against Covetousness

• பசகபாவம் அச்ைம் பழிதயன நான்埁ம் இகவாவாம் இல்லிேப்பான் கண் (146) • Pakaipaavam Achcham Pazhiyena Naankum Ikavaavaam Illirappaan Kan • Hatred, sin, fear, disgrace; these four will never leave him who goes in to his neighbour's wife

• பிேன்மசன றநாக்காத றபராண்சம ைான்றோர்க் கேதனன்றோ ஆன்ே தவா폁க்埁 (148) • Piranmanai Nokkaadha Peraanmai Saandrorkku Aranondro Aandra Vozhukku • It is noble manliness not to look at the wife of another. This is the virtue and dignity of the great [men]. …Against Covetousness

• ைிற்ேின்பம் தவஃகி யேனல்ல தைய்யாறர மற்ேின்பம் றவண்翁 பவர் (173) • Sitrinpam Veqki Aranalla Seyyaare Matrinpam Ventu Pavar • Those who desire the higher pleasures (of heaven) will not covet unjustly (in this life).

• அஃகி யகன்ே அேிதவன்னாம் யார்மாட்翁ம் தவஃகி தவேிய தையின் (175) • Aqki Akandra Arivennaam Yaarmaattum Veqki Veriya Seyin • What is the advantage of extensive knowledge/learning if a man is covetous and acts senselessly? Against Covetousness (Proverbs)

• References: 3:31, 6:32-33, 15:27, 21:25-26, 28:16 – A greedy man brings trouble to his family (15:27a) – He that hates covetousness shall prolong his days (28:16b)

• Proverbs advises strongly against greed, envy and covetousness. • It suggests ‘fear of God’ as the antidote to covetousness (23:17)

6. Compassion

• ஆற்쟁வா ராற்ேல் பைியாற்ேல் அப்பைிசய மாற்쟁வா ராற்ேலிற் பின் (225) • Aatruvaar Aatral Pasiaatral Appasiyai Maatruvaar Aatralin Pin It is better to provide food to the hungry, than holding a penance of fasting.

• அ쏁ள்றைர்ந்த தநஞ்ைினார்க் கில்சல இ쏁ள்றைர்ந்த இன்னா உலகம் ꯁகல் (243) • Arulserndha Nenjinaark Killai Irulserndha Innaa Ulakam Pukal • Those compassionate hearted will never enter the world of darkness …Compassion (Tirukural)

• அ쏁ளில்லார்க் கவ்ퟁலகம் இல்சல தபா쏁ளில்லார்க் கிவ்ퟁலகம் இல்லாகி யாங்埁 (247) • Arulillaarkku Avvulakam Illai Porulillaarkku Ivvulakam Illaaki Yaangu • As this world is not for those without wealth, so the world-to-come is not for those without kindness

• வலியார்믁ன் தன்சன நிசனக்கதான் தன்னின் தமலியார்றமற் தைல்쯁 மிைத்鏁 (250) • Valiyaarmun Thannai Ninaikka Thaan Thannin Meliyaarmel Sellu Mitaththu • When you are about to be rude with the weak, remember how you have stood (trembling) before those stronger than yourself. Compassion (Proverbs) • References: 11:17a, 14:31b,21, 16:6, 19:17, 21:21, 25:21-22 – He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord (19:17) – He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour (21:21)

• Kindness results in one’s own good (3:3-4, 11:17a) • Kings are advised to rule with compassion and mercy (20:28) • Proverbs points out that those merciful to their poor neighbours shall be blessed by the Lord

7. Anger and Evil

• தன்சனத்தான் காக்கின் ைினங்காக்க காவாக்கால் தன்சனறய தகால்쯁ஞ் ைினம் (305) • Thannaiththaan Kaakkin Sinangaakka Kaavaakkaal Thannaiye Kollunj Chinam • If a man wants to guard himself, let him guard against anger

• ைினத்சதப் தபா쏁தளன்쟁 தகாண்ைவன் றக翁 நிலத்தசேந்தான் சகபிசழயா தற்쟁 (307) • Sinaththaip Porulendru Kontavan Ketu Nilaththaraindhaan Kaipizhaiyaa Thatru • Destruction will come upon him who regards anger as his strength, as surely as the hand of him who strikes the ground will not fail to hurt. …Anger and Evil

• இன்னாதைய் தாசர ஒ쟁த்தல் அவர்நாண நன்னயஞ் தைய்鏁 விைல் (314) • Innaasey Thaarai Oruththal Avarnaana Nannayanj Cheydhu Vital • The punishment to those who have done evil is to shame them by showing kindness, in return

• பிேர்க்கின்னா 믁ற்பகல் தைய்யின் தமக்கின்னா பிற்பகல் தாறம வ쏁ம் (319) • Pirarkkinnaa Murpakal Seyyin Thamakku Innaa Pirpakal Thaame Varum • If a man inflict sorrow upon others in the morning, it will come upon him unsought in the very evening Anger and Evil (Proverbs) • Reference: 1:9b, 4:27,14, 14:7a, 15:1, 19:19, 22:24, 29:11, 30:33 – An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot- tempered person commits many sins (29:22). – Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city(16:32)

• Proverbs advices against the vice of anger and making friendship with the hot-tempered (22:24-25) • Learning to tame one’s anger is wisdom (19:11). • Do not pay back evil for evil (25:21-22)

8. Learning (Tirukural)

• கற்க கைைேக் கற்பசவ கற்ேபின் நிற்க அதற்埁த் தக (391) • Karka Kasatarak Karpavai Katrapin Nirka Adharkuth Thaka • Let a man learn thoroughly whatever he may learn, and then exert the same energy to live by his learning.

• எண்தணன்ப ஏசன தய폁த்ததன்ப இவ்விரண்翁ங் கண்தணன்ப வா폁ம் உயிர்க்埁 (392) • Ennenpa Enai Ezhuththenpa Ivvirantum Kannenpa Vaazhum Uyirkku • Letters (science/arts) and numbers (mathematics) are to be the two eyes of a learned man …Learning (Tirukural)

• கண்迁சைய தரன்பவர் கற்றோர் 믁கத்திரண்翁 ꯁண்迁சையர் கல்லா தவர் (393) • Kannutaiyar Enpavar Katror Mukaththirantu Punnutaiyar Kallaa Thavar • The learned are said to have eyes, but the unlearned have (merely) two sores in their face

• றக羿ல் வி폁ச் தைல்வங் கல்வி தயா쏁வற்埁 மாைல்ல மற்சே யசவ (400) • Ketil Vizhuchchelvam Kalvi Yoruvarku Maatalla Matrai Yavai • Learning is the true imperishable treasure; all other things are nothing in comparison …Learning (Tirukural)

• விலங்தகா翁 மக்க ளசனயர் இலங்埁ꏂல் கற்ோறரா றைசன யவர் (410) • Vilangotu Makkal Anaiyar Ilangunool Katraarotu Enai Yavar • There is as much difference between the learned and the unlearned, as between human beings and beasts.

• எப்தபா쏁ள் யார்யார்வாய்க் றகட்பிꟁம் அப்தபா쏁ள் தமய்ப்தபா쏁ள் காண்ப தேிퟁ (423) • Epporul Yaaryaarvaaik Ketpinum Apporul Meypporul Kaanpa Tharivu • To test and discern the truth of every thing, by whomsoever spoken, is true wisdom. Learning (Proverbs) • Reference: 1:5, 4:13,20-22, 8:10, 12:1, 15:32-33, 23:23,26, – A wise son hears his father’s instruction (13:1a) – My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways (23:26)

• Proverbs encourages to receive instruction and then live by it. • It is foolish to avoid learning and instruction (16:22) • Way to gain wisdom is by learning to accept instruction (12:1, 19:20) • Seeking the Lord is the basis for understanding (1:7, 28:5b) 9. Knowledge of Power, Time and Place

• பீலிதபய் ைாகா翁ம் அச்ைி쟁ம் அப்பண்ைஞ் ைால மி埁த்鏁ப் தபயின் (475) • Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch Aala Mikuththup Peyin • The axle of a cart, loaded only with peacocks' feathers, can still break. So is the power of the weak when united.

• ஞாலங் க쏁திꟁங் சக埂翁ங் காலம் க쏁தி இைத்தாற் தையின் (484) • Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin • When a man acts in the right time, and at the right place, he might even conquer the world Knowledge of …Power, Time and Place

• காலாழ் கள쎿ன் ந쎿ய翁ங் கண்ணஞ்ைா றவலாள் 믁கத்த களி쟁 (500) • Kaalaazh Kalaril Nariyatum Kannanjaa Velaal Mukaththa Kaliru • Even a fox can kill a war-elephant, if it is trapped in the mud

• 埁ணநா羿க் 埁ற்ே믁 நா羿 அவற்쟁ள் மிசகநா羿 மிக்க தகாளல் (504) • Kunamnaatik Kutramum Naati Avatrul Mikainaati Mikka Kolal • Know a man’s character, both good and faults; then judge him by what prevails. Knowledge of Power, Time, Place (Proverbs)

• Reference: 15:23,28, 25:11, 29:20 – A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! (15:23) – When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, (23:1)

• Proverbs reminds its readers to know their place and times (Prov. 18:21, 25:11). • Foolish words, spoken without the realization of time or place, cause destruction (14:3a)

10. Determination

• எண்ணிய எண்ணியாங் தகய்鏁ப எண்ணியார் திண்ணியர் ஆகப் தபேின் (666) • Enniya Enniyaangu Eydhu Enniyaar Thinniyar Aakap Perin • A firm mind and resolute execution produce the desired outcome.

• எண்ணித் 鏁ணிக க쏁மந் 鏁ணிந்தபின் எண்迁வ தமன்ப தி폁க்埁 (467) • Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku • Think carefully, and then undertake any enterprise; after having undertaken it, to say "We will think," is folly. …Patience

• அகழ்வாசரத் தாங்埁ம் நிலம்றபாலத் தம்சம இகழ்வார்ப் தபா쟁த்தல் தசல (151) • Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath Thammai Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai • To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues

• தபா쟁த்த லிேப்பிசன தயன்쟁ம் அதசன மேத்த லதனிꟁம் நன்쟁 (152) • Poruththal Irappinai Endrum Adhanai Maraththal Adhaninum Nandru • Patience before adversity is better; even better is forgetting wrongs Determination (Proverbs) • Reference: 16:32, 19:11,21, 24:27 – Do your planning and prepare your fields building your house (24:27) – The Horse is prepared for the day of battle (21:31) • Proverbs encourages the process of planning and preparation, while trusting the Lord. • Proverbs emphasizes the finality of divine will. It is the Lord who bring the plans to fruition (19:21). • Thus, success is not due to one’s own determination, but God’s blessing. 11. Governance / Kingship

• றவலன்쟁 தவன்ேி த쏁வ鏁 மன்னவன் றகால鏂உங் றகாைா ததனின் (546) • Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin • A good king does not find his success through weapons and war, rather in his sceptre that rules with justice.

• தகாசலறமற்தகாண் ைா쎿ற் தகா羿றத அசலறமற்தகாண் ைல்லசவ தைய்ததா폁埁ம் றவந்鏁 (551) • Kolaimerkon Taarir Kotidhe Alaimerkontu Allavai Seydhozhukum Vendhu • The king who gives himself up to oppression and acts unjustly (towards his subjects) is more cruel than the man who leads the life of a murderer …Governance / Kingship

• அகலா த迁கா鏁 தீக்காய்வார் றபால்க இகல்றவந்தர்ச் றைர்ந்ததா폁埁 வார் (691) • Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar • Stand as if before fire in the presence of Kings, not too close to get burned up, not too far away to be unnoticed.

• உ쟁பைி뿁ம் ஓவாப் பிணி뿁ம் தை쟁பசக뿁ம் றைரா தியல்வ鏁 நா翁 (734) • Urupasiyum Ovaap Piniyum Serupakaiyum Seraa Thiyalvadhu Naatu • The development of a country is measured by the absence of starvation, plagues, and vengeful enemies. Kingship (Proverbs)

• Reference: 14:28, 16:12, 20:8,26, 25:2,5, 28:3, 29:4a,12 – Throne is established in righteousness (16:12b) – A wise king scatters the wicked (20:26a)

• Proverbs discusses about the conduct of the Kings: to search out (25:2); keep away from wine (31:4a) and wicked (16:12a, 29:12); and vision (29:18) • Evil ruler is compared to roaring lion (28:15) • It advises the commoners of their conduct before the kings. • Even kings are subject to Yahweh, the unparalleled King of the Universe (21:1)

12. Friendship

• உ翁க்சக இழந்தவன் சகறபால ஆங்றக இ翁க்கண் கசளவதாம் நட்ꯁ (788) • Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu • (True) friend readily hastens to the rescue, as the hand of one whose garment is loosened before the assembly.

• ம쏁ퟁக மாைற்ோர் றகண்சமதயான் ேீத்鏁ம ஒ쏁ퟁக ஒப்பிலார் நட்ꯁ (800) • Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu • Cherish the friendship of the righteous; but, renounce the friendship of the unworthy even if cost you a fortune. …Friendship

• ததா폁தசக 뿁ள்쿁ம் பசைதயா翁ங்埁ம் ஒன்னார் அ폁தகண் ண ீ쏁ம் அசனத்鏁 (828) • Thozhudhakai Yullum Pataiyotungum Onnaar Azhudhakan Neerum Anaiththu • Beware of making friendship with your enemies. There may be weapons hidden in their tears and in their folded [worshipping] hands.

• 믁கநக நட்ப鏁 நட்பன்쟁 தநஞ்ைத் தகநக நட்ப鏁 நட்ꯁ (786) • Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu • True friendship is not known from a smile on face, but a smile that comes from heart. Friendship (Proverbs) • Reference: 14:7,26a, 17:7,9 18:24b, 27:9,10a,6 – Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,(27:10a) – A friend loves at all times (17:17a) • Proverbs encourages to build up genuine friendship, • Key qualities: constant (17:17), considerate (27:9,17), forgiving (17:9) and who gives earnest counsel (26:18-19). • It advises against bad friendship (24:24a) as it will lead to trouble.

13. Folly

• றபசதசம என்பததான் ேியாததனின் ஏதங்தகாண் 翂தியம் றபாக விைல் (831) • Pedhaimai Enpadhondru Yaadhenin Edhangontu Oodhiyam Poka Vital • Pursuing evil instead of good is folly

• அேிவிலார் தாந்தம்சமப் பீழிக்埁ம் பீசழ தை쟁வார்க்埁ம் தைய்தல் அ쎿鏁 (843) • Arivilar thanthammai pezhikum pezhai Cheruvarkkum seithel arithu • Foolish people inflict pain upon themselves, worse than what their enemies could bring.

…Folly

• தவண்சம எனப்ப翁வ தியாததனின் ஒண்சம உசையம்யாம் என்ꟁம் தை쏁க்埁 (844) • Venmai Enappatuva Thiyaadhenin Onmai Utaiyamyaam Ennum Serukku • The self proclamation of wisdom is the sign of vanity, pride and folly

• காணாதான் காட்翁வான் தான்காணான் காணாதான் கண்ைானாம் தான்கண்ை வா쟁 (849) • Kaanaadhaan Kaattuvaan Thaankaanaan Kaanaadhaan Kantaanaam Thaankanta Vaaru • A fool who pretends to be a wise shows his folly Folly (Proverbs) • Reference: 11:5b, 11:12, 14:16, 17:2,21, 19:3, 26:11, 27:22, 28:26a – A man’s own folly ruins his life (19:3) – A way of the fool is right in his own eyes (12:15a).

• Proverbs describes the qualities of folly and warns of its dangers. • Proverbs invites people to choose the path of wisdom; for, folly leads to self decimation. • Folly leads to unproductive life that is neither beneficial for self (3:35), for family (19:3), nor for the community around. 14. Drinking

• உண்ணற்க கள்சள உணி쯁ண்க ைான்றோரான் எண்ணப் பைறவண்ைா தார் (922) • Unnarka Kallai Unilunka Saandroraan Ennap Pataventaa Thaar • Don’t drink liqor; else, you will be rejected by the company of the great.

• சகயேி யாசம உசைத்றத தபா쏁ள்தகா翁த்鏁 தமய்யேி யாசம தகாளல் (925) • Kaiyari Yaamai Utaiththe Porulkotuththu Meyyari Yaamai Kolal • What madness it is to pay money and purchase unconsciousness! …Drinking

• 鏁ஞ்ைினார் தைத்தா쎿ன் றவேல்லர் எஞ்ஞான்쟁ம் நஞ்毁ண்பார் கள்쿁ண் பவர் (926) • Thunjinaar Seththaarin Verallar Egngnaandrum Nanjunpaar Kallun Pavar • Those who sleep resemble the dead; same way, those who drink resemble the poison-eaters

• களித்தாசனக் காரணம் காட்翁தல் கீழ்நீர்க் 埁ளித்தாசனத் தீத்鏁쏀இ அற்쟁 (929) • Kaliththaanaik Kaaranam Kaattudhal Keezhneerk Kuliththaanaith Theeththureei Atru • Advising a drunkard is like going under water with a torch in search of a drowned man Drinking (Proverbs)

• Reference: 20:1, 21:17, 23:20-21,29- 35, 26:9, 31:4-7 – Wine is a mocker.. Whoever deceived by it is not wise (20:1) – He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich (21:17b)

• Proverbs advises against drunkenness and asks people to keep away from the company of drunkards. • It expounds extensively on the problems of drunkenness in 23:29-35 • It suggests drinks for those suffering pain and poverty (31:6-7) 15. Praise and Pains of Love

• கண்தணா翁 கண்இசண றநாக்தகாக்கின் வாய்ச்தைாற்கள் என்ன பயꟁம் இல (1100) • Kannotu Kaninai Nokkokkin Vaaichchorkal Enna Payanum Ila • When the eyes of the lovers meet, words are no longer needed.

• இன்பம் கைல்மற்쟁க் காமம் அஃத翁ங்கால் 鏁ன்பம் அதனிற் தப쎿鏁 (1166) • Inpam Katalmatruk Kaamam Aqdhatungaal Thunpam Adhanir Peridhu • The pleasure of love is as vast as the ocean; the pain of separation is even greater. …Praise and Pains of Love

• உள்ளிꟁம் தீராப் தப쏁மகிழ் தைய்தலால் கள்ளிꟁம் காமம் இனி鏁 (1201) • Ullinum Theeraap Perumakizh Seydhalaal Kallinum Kaamam Inidhu • Love is sweeter than wine; because when remembered, it creates unparalleled delight.

• ஊ翁தல் காமத்திற் கின்பம் அதற்கின்பம் 埂羿 믁யங்கப் தபேின் (1330) • Ootudhal Kaamaththirku Inpam Adharkinpam Kooti Muyangap Perin • Little playful fights adds to delight. An embrace feels stronger after a strife. Love (Proverbs) • Reference: 5:15-19, 30:18-19, 31:10- 31 – Drink waters from your own cistern (5:15a) – The way of a man with a woman (30:19d)

• Proverbs’ approach to the theme of love is didactic. • The raptures of pre-marital love is exalted elsewhere, in Song of Songs. • Proverbs limits to focus more on family relations and the functions of wife. • Proverbs advises to enjoy the union of lovers within marital boundaries. IV. COMMONALITIES AND DIFFERENCES

• There are few surface similarities between these literary works

1. Both of these works promote individual as well as social morality in order to build a harmonious community. 2. Both cover several areas of human conduct and advises people to choose wise living. 3. Both have strong universal appeal, transcending their linguistic-ethnic boundaries. 4. Both works have strong moral categories that distinguish right and wrong, good and bad. 5. Both use elements in nature to teach generic yet profound truths, employing a host of literary devises prevalent in respective cultures.

…Differences

No. Tirukural Proverbs 1. Tirukkural, though acknowledges Proverbs is primarily a religious God, does not have any particular work that is targeted towards the religious affinity. followers of Yahweh. 2. Tirukkural limits its discussion on Entire Book of Proverbs looks at God to its first chapter only. human conduct in relation to God. 3. Tirukkural teaches morality based Proverbs is built on the foundations on ancient Tamil ethics and of Torah-centred worldview, for spirituality. which “fear of God” is the key. 4. Tirukural presents generic truth Proverbs’ often employs and implicitly expects following. vocative(My son, listen to..) and calls people to listen and follow. 5. Tirukkural does not personify Proverbs uses personification, to wisdom, or folly as the pithy praise wisdom (noble woman) and sayings are not descriptive. denigrate folly (wayward woman) …Differences

No. Tirukural Proverbs 6. Tirukkural limits itself within the Besides , Proverbs also expands moral categories of distinction: on the spiritual categories of wise versus fool. righteous versus wicked. 7. Tirukkural employs impersonal Proverbs employs personal terms didactic and it’s primary setting is (Father, Mother, Son), showing that the public arena. its primary sitz im leben is home. 8. Tirukural’s each chapter (10 Proverbs have more fluid structure maxims) focuses on one topic. This and a compilation, ranging different is same for all 133 chapters. periods of time. 9. 2/4 of Tirukural focuses on matters Proverbs aims to work within heart: pertaining to politics and social transforming the individuals before relationships, its primary interest. social changes. 10. Each Kural is composed with For most part, Proverbs employs literary aesthetics: stylistic, poetic, short prosaic maxims; with a and well-structured. sporadic presence of poetic sections V. PLACE OF TIRUKURAL AMONG TAMILS TODAY

• Tirukural is being taught in the schools and plays an important role in forming a Tamil moral identity. Regardless of religious affinity, Tamils learn Tirukural

• Most of the schools in Tamilnadu encourages the memorization of Tirukural every day

• Annual competitions are held to promote learning of Tirukural

• Several companies and public places displays Tirukkural for public viewing

…Tirukkural Today

• Tirukural is often quoted in the speeches of teachers, religious leaders and state politicians.

• “International Conference on Tirukkural” encourages research on Tirukkural by Tamil scholars around the world.

• Tirukural and its various translations are made available online and free android/iOS Apps.

• Tirukural is not only respected in its place of origin (Tamilnadu) but continues to be popular among the Tamil Diaspora.

On 01.01.2000, Tamilnadu Government Opened a 133 feet Statue of Tiruvalluvar in the Southern Tip of India VI. CONCLUSION

• As classic literatures, Tirukural and Proverbs can be compared; yet, as part of inspired word of God, Proverbs holds unique position. • In the Indian context, knowing Tirukural and even quoting it in our conversation/talk with non-Christians helps to build cultural bridges. They often serve as points of contact. • And also, we have to appreciate our native literary richness and heritage, while knowing significant ideological/ theological differences.

Resources

• Tirukural in Tamil (original language): http://www.thirukkural.com/ • Tirukural in English: http://tamilnation.co/literature/kural/kuralE1.htm • Tirukural in Tamil and English: http://www.tamilcanadian.com/kural/ • Tirukural: English Translation and Commentary http://tamilnation.co/literature/pmunicode/mp153.htm • Tirukural: A Masterpiece of World Literature http://sgvramanan.net/sgvr%20website/THIRUKKURAL %20Part%20I-Email%20Version%201-16.htm • G.N. Das, Readings from Tirukkural (New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 1997). • Kamil Zvelebil, Companion Studies to the History of (Leiden: Brill, 1992).

Gnanaraj D. Korea, 2014