Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 44 : The Correction of Faults
 

Translation(s)

Those who restrain arrogance, wrath, and littleness of low desire; attain sure increase of lofty dignity.

Explanation

Marie Curie is, of all celebrated beings, the only one whom fame has not corrupted.
- Albert Einstein

Arrogance is the biggest amongst these three faults a king can have, and next is wrath.

Translation(s)

A niggard hand, overweening self-regards, and unseemly mirth; bring disgrace to men of kingly birth.

 

Translation(s)

Though men deem the fault as small as a millet-seed; it will seem vast as a palm tree to those who fear disgrace.

Explanation

The analogy of millet-seed and palm tree is used in Verse 104 also.

Translation(s)

Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully against these for fault is (like) fatal enmity.

 

Translation(s)

His joy, who does not guard against the coming evil day, shall swiftly consume away like straw before fire.

 

Translation(s)

Faultless is the king who first cures his own faults and then permits himself to scan the faults of other men.

Explanation

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves."
- Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonald's

Translation(s)

One who, with niggard mind, leaves undone what should be done; his wealth shall perish leaving not a wreck behind.

Explanation

Appears to be the principle of due care.

Translation(s)

When faults are summed, the greed of soul which men call avarice is the worst of all.

Explanation

Christianity also has seven deadly sins and avarice is one of them. Also remember:

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
- Bible, 1 Timothy 6:10

Translation(s)

Never indulge in self-complacent mood, nor desire deed that yields no good.

Explanation

‘Self-complaisant’ means trying to please oneself.

Translation(s)

If, unknown to your foes, you cherish what you love; counsel of men who wish you harm will prove harmless.

Explanation

If your foes come to know what you cherish, then it becomes a fault and they will take advantage of it.

Summary Note

This chapter seems to be a collection of various types of faults a king may have. In general it says, have no faults.

Me and Thiruvalluvar's Feet'
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari,India
Credit: Veganpixel, Flickr

References