15.1 Adultery

 15.1 Adultery

Question:

Is it not adultery a despicable act? 

Answer:

Enmity, sin, fear, and disgrace will never leave those

who lust after another man's wife.                                                                       (Couplet – 146) 

The real manliness lies in not even having an adulterous thought. 

Such strength of character is not only a virtue, it is indeed exemplary 

conduct for a man of virtue.                                                                                   (Couplet – 148) 

பகைபாவம் அச்சம் பழியென நான்கும்

இகவாவாம் இல்லிறப்பான் கண்.                                                          (குறள் – 146) 

பிறன்மனை நோக்காத பேராண்மை சான்றோர்க்கு

அறனொன்றோ ஆன்ற வொழுக்கு.                                                       (குறள் – 148) 

Explanation:

Enmity, sin, fear, and disgrace are always the concomitants of those engaged in adulterous behavior. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." is one of the Ten Commandments decreed by God to Moses. Many religions condemn adultery as unacceptable and despicable behavior. In some societies, adultery is a punishable crime. According to Valluvar, the right conduct for a man of virtue is not even thinking of having an adulterous relationship with another man's wife. We can find a similar statement in the Bible (Matthew. 5:27-28), which says, "I say unto you, whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in the heart."