89.2 Internal Enmity

 89.2 Internal Enmity

Question:

     What happens when there is internal enmity in a house?

Answer:

The strength of a family with internal enmity will wear away like

the iorn that is filed with a file?                         (couplet – 888)

அரம்பொருத பொன்போலத் தேயும் உரம்பொருது

உட்பகை உற்ற குடி.                                    (குறள் – 888)

Explanation:

            One should indeed be concerned with external as well as internal enemies. In the case of external enemies, their motive is clear. Therefore, one can be prepared to fight the external enemy. But in the case of internal enemies, often their motive is hidden. Since their motive is hidden, one should be more careful and be more afraid of internal enemies. It is not unusual for family members to have rivalry and hostility among themselves. The siblings often fight with one another to share the family property. Likewise, we often see a lot of squabbles and infights within the ranks of the same political party. The internal enemies are hidden, and the damage done by them will gradually destroy the family or the party or nation. Since the damage by internal enmity is unpredictable and slow, Valluvar compares it to the iron wearing out as it is filed away.