Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 21 : Dread of Evil Deeds
 

Translation(s)

Men cease to feel the dread of ill within due to sinful act (done by them). The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin.

Explanation

Sinful acts dull our natural sensitivity to avoid ill.

Translation(s)

Since new evils keep growing from evils, evil works out to be more dreaded woe than fire.

 

Translation(s)

Even to those that hate do not return ill, so you will fulfill wisdom’s highest law it is said.

Explanation

This is same as Jesus Christ’s saying: When a man slaps you on one cheek ….

Translation(s)

Do not plot your neighbor’s fall. Virtue’s power will make your plan to bring ruin to you. It is good though your soul forgets (the ill deed done by your neighbor).

 

Translation(s)

Make not your poverty a plea for ill; your evil deeds will make you poorer still.

 

Translation(s)

If you wish to shun sore affliction done by others through ill-will to you, then spare to do what ranks as evil.

 

Translation(s)

From every enmity there is a way to escape, but the wrath of evil deeds will dog men’s steps and slay.

Explanation

There is always a way you can escape from an enemy but there is no way to escape the consequences of your evil deeds.

Translation(s)

Man’s shadow dogs his steps where ever he goes, similarly destruction attends sinful deeds.

 

Translation(s)

Beware! If you are dear to yourself; then do not allow that which ranks as ill to draw near!

 

Translation(s)

The man, who never turned to the side of devious way of sin, rests secure from ruin whatever ill comes like to tide (to him).

 

Summary Note

Summary: First three verses say evil deeds should be dreaded (201-203), next six say that evil done to other by us bring evil to oneself (204-209), and last says that he who does no evil suffers no evil (210).The message in this chapter is that we should fear evil deeds. The Christian prayer taught by Jesus also ends with fear of evil deeds and thus requests God’s help, guidance and grace to deliver us from the evil one. Here it is:

"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"

– Jesus Christ, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6.9-13, The Bible [3]

View from the Mainland - Sellers of Sea Shells in Foreground,
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: Kylehammons, Flickr

References