இன்பம் தருவதற்குரிய நட்பிலேயே துன்பத்தைத் தரம் இவர், பகைமையில் என்னதான் செய்வாரோ?

நட்பாக இருக்கும்போதே பிரிவுத்துயரை நமக்குத் தரக்கூடியவர், பகைமை தோன்றினால் எப்படிப்பட்டவராய் இருப்பாரோ?

( இன்பமான) நட்பிலேயே துயரத்தை வரச் செய்வதில் வல்லவர். ( துன்பம் தரும் பகையை வெல்லும்) வலிமை வேண்டும்போது என்ன ஆவாரோ?

What will they prove when angry tempests lower?

Kural 1165: The verse essentially asks a rhetorical question about the nature of friends who bring grief even in amicable situations. It subtly points out that if a so-called friend can cause distress in peaceful circumstances, one can only imagine the extent of their harmful influence during times of conflict or adversity. The Kural highlights an important aspect of human relationships, emphasizing the need for discernment in choosing our companions. It suggests that a true friend is not one who brings sorrow during times of peace, but someone who stands by us, offering support and comfort, especially during our most challenging times. This verse calls for a careful and judicious evaluation of our friendships and relationships. It urges us to assess the value of a relationship not just based on happy times but more importantly, on how these relationships stand the test of adversity. The Kural promotes the idea that genuine friendships are those that are consistent and reliable, particularly in times of trouble.