Tirukkural-On Virtue-Avoiding Slander-Kural 187

Add as a preferred source on Google

I have adopted here the line of translation done by Thiruvasakamani K M Balasubramaniam.

Those who cannot foster friendships with a smiling word,Will slander away even kinsmen to separation.

This is the interpretation of Parithiar and Kalingar, as against those of Parimelalagar and Manakudavar, who say that the separation envisaged here, is of relatives, and friends from oneself. I would go along with the former view and hold that a man who cannot 'win' friends and influence people' with a pleasing smile and friendly words would probably spread strife and separate even kinsmen and close friends.

The idea preferred by me is in keeping with the following Biblical quotation.

'A perverse man spreads strife and a whisperer separates close friends'.
(Proverbs 16:28)

Only of such men, Shakespeare said that, with a lean and hungry look, they were dangerous.

A parallel in Sangam literature occurs in the following passage:
Mannarai nayanaadi natparukkum vinaivar poal

(Kalithohai-40,7)