Knowing Strength
நெறி.
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āṟṟi ṉaḷavaṟin tīka vatuporuḷ / pōṟṟi vaḻaṅku neṟi.
Give in the proper way after knowing the measure of your means; that is the path by which wealth is protected and put to use.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give! / That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live.”
“Keep thou in mind the extent of thy wealth and let thy gifts be commensurate therewith: that is the way to conserve and divide thy substance.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஆற்றின் அளவு அறிந்து ஈக= ஈயும் நெறியானே தமக்குள்ள பொருளின் எல்லையை அறிந்து அதற்கு ஏற்ப ஈக; அது பொருள் போற்றி வழங்கும் நெறி= அங்ஙனம் ஈதல் பொருளைப் பேணிக்கொண்டு ஒழுகும் நெறியாம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar does not oppose generosity and preservation: measured giving is precisely the discipline that lets resources continue serving others.