21. Dread of Evil Deeds

Chapter. 21. Dread of Evil Deeds
Kural-201
With sinful act men cease to feel the dread of ill within,
The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin.
Meaning : Those who have experience of evil deeds will not fear, but the excellent will fear the pride of sin.
Kural-202
Since evils new from evils ever grow,
Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe.
Meaning : Because evil produces evil, therefore should evil be feared more than fire.
Kural-203
Even to those that hate make no return of ill;
So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil.
Meaning : To do no evil to enemies will be called the chief of all virtues.
Kural-204
Though good thy soul forget, plot not thy neighbour's fall,
Thy plans shall 'virtue's Power' by ruin to thyself forestall.
Meaning : Even though forgetfulness meditate not the ruin of another. Virtue will meditate the ruin of him who thus meditates.
Kural-205
Make not thy poverty a plea for ill;
Thy evil deeds will make thee poorer still.
Meaning : Commit not evil, saying, "I am poor": if you do, you will become poorer still.
Kural-206
What ranks as evil spare to do, if thou would'st shun
Affliction sore through ill to thee by others done.
Meaning : Let him not do evil to others who desires not that sorrows should pursue him.
Kural-207
From every enmity incurred there is to 'scape, a way;
The wrath of evil deeds will dog men's steps, and slay.
Meaning : However great be the enmity men have incurred they may still live. The enmity of sin will incessantly pursue and kill.
Kural-208
Man's shadow dogs his steps where'er he wends;
Destruction thus on sinful deeds attends.
Meaning : Destruction will dwell at the heels of those who commit evil even as their shadow that leaves them not.
Kural-209
Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear,
Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near!
Meaning : If a man love himself, let him not commit any sin however small.
Kural-210
The man, to devious way of sin that never turned aside,
From ruin rests secure, whatever ills betide.
Meaning : Know ye that he is freed from destruction who commits no evil, going to neither side of the right path.