நாம் காணும்போது முகத்தால் இனிதாகச் சிரித்து, மனத்தால் எப்போதும் பகைவராய் வாழும் வஞ்சகர்களுக்கு அஞ்சவேண்டும்.

சிரித்துப் பேசி நம்மைச் சீரழிக்க நினைக்கும் வஞ்சகரின் நட்புக்கு அஞ்சி ஒதுங்கிட வேண்டும்

முகத்தால் இனிமையாகச் சிரித்துப் பழகி அகத்தில் தீமை கொண்டுள்ள வஞ்சகருடன் நட்பு கொள்வதற்கு அஞ்ச வேண்டும்.

One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart

Kural 824 warns about the deceptive nature of certain individuals who may seem amiable and congenial on the surface, but harbor ill-intent within their hearts. They present a pleasant demeanor, often smiling and acting friendly, but their intentions are not genuine. Their external sweetness is a facade to mask their internal deceit. The verse emphasizes the need to be wary of such individuals. It suggests that one should fear or be cautious of these deceitful people, who smile sweetly with their face, but harbor no love or goodwill in their hearts. The verse highlights the fact that not all who appear friendly are indeed friends - some may have hidden agendas and may be plotting harm. In essence, this Kural teaches us the importance of discernment in our interactions with others. It encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and to be cautious in our dealings with those whose intentions may not be as pure as their outward demeanor suggests. It is a reminder of the potential harm that can come from misplaced trust and the importance of vigilance in our relationships.