Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Right Conduct-Kural 137

In respect of this Kural, Rajaji's crisp translation cannot be bettered.

A well-regulated life brings honour;
Neglect of it leads to disgrace.

Greatness goes with a life of good conduct; disgrace attends those who discard the true values of right conduct.This Kural is found appropriately inscribed, in most of the rest-houses of Tamil Nadu State, under the portrait of Thiruvalluvar. One wishes this was not a mere decoration and contributed more effectively to regulate the life and conduct of the occupants.

The Psalmist too sang that the 'Righteous' shall flourish like the palm tree and grow like the Cedar of Lebanon (Psalms: 92:12) This is only one side of the picture. The exact balance Valluvar had in mind, has been brought out in the following Biblical lines from the proverbs.

'As righteousness tendeth to life; so he who pursueth
evil pursueth it to his own death'.

(Proverb 11:19)

An echo of this Kural is heard in Pazhamozhi thus:

Iyakkathin mikka ezivillai, illai
Olukkathin mikka uyarvu

( Pazhamozi-64)