82.3 Evil Friendship

 82.3 Evil Friendship

Question:

Is friendship with undependable people evil friendship?

 

Answer:

Solitude is more desirable than the company of those who resemble

the untrained horses which desert their riders on the battlefield.                (Couplet- 814)

It is better to avoid than to continue the evil friendship of those

mean people who offer no protection during adversity.                               (Couplet - 815)

Don’t even dream of associating with people whose words and

deeds do not match.                                                                                       (Couplet- 819)

 

 

அமரகத்து ஆற்றறுக்கும் கல்லாமா அன்னார்

தமரின் தனிமை தலை.                                                                      (குறள் – 814)

செய்தேமஞ் சாராச் சிறியவர் புன்கேண்மை

எய்தலின் எய்தாமை நன்று.                                                              (குறள் – 815)

கனவினும் இன்னாது மன்னோ வினைவேறு

சொல்வேறு பட்டார் தொடர்பு.                                                          (குறள் – 819)

 

 

Explanation:

According to Valluvar, friends should help each other under all circumstances. To emphasize the importance of dependability among friends, Valluvar mentions that friendship is said to be on its throne when it possesses the power of supporting one at all times under all circumstances in life (Couplet – 789).“ However, there are people who are not very dependable. Undependable people will desert their friends when their friends are undergoing adverse situations in life and they cannot be counted upon for any help. Valluvar compares such people to a horse that deserts its rider at a critical time on a battlefield. It is better to be alone than to be in their company. There are people whose deeds do not match their words. They are likely to promise more than what they can deliver. In a sense, these people are also not really reliable, and they are hypocrites. Valluvar believes that friendship with undependable people is evil and should be discontinued.