Avoiding Faults
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viyavaṟka veññāṉṟun taṉṉai nayavaṟka / naṉṟi payavā viṉai
Never exalt yourself in admiration; never desire an action that will yield no good.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Never indulge in self-complaisant mood, / Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good.”
“Exult not at anything at any time: embark not on enterprises that would bring thee no good.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
எஞ்ஞான்றும் தன்னை வியவற்க= தான் இறப்ப உயர்ந்த ஞான்றும் மதத்தால் தன்னை நன்கு மதியாது ஒழிக; நன்றி பயவா வினை நயவற்க= தனக்கு நன்மை பயவா வினைகளை மானத்தால் விரும்பாது ஒழிக.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar gives two prohibitions: even at the height of status, a ruler should not become intoxicated with self-admiration, and should not pursue actions that yield no good merely from a misplaced sense of honor. The verse opposes vanity and fruitless prestige, not healthy confidence, recognition of skill, joy in effort, rest, art, play, or benefits that cannot be reduced to money.