The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 46
CHAPTER 46
KEEPING ALOOF FROM VULGAR COMPANY
451. Men of worth fear vulgar company : but little-minded men mix with it as if they made one family with it.
452. Water altereth and taketh the character of the soil through which it floweth: even so the mind taketh the colour of the company with which it consorteth.
453. The understanding of a man belongeth unto his mind: but his reputation dependeth on the company he keepeth.
454. The disposition of a man seemeth to reside in his mind : but its veritable abode is the company in which he moveth.
455. Purity of heart and purity of action depend upon the purity of a man's company.
456. The pure of heart shall have a righteous progeny: and everything prospereth unto those that consort with good company.
457. Purity of heart is a treasure unto a man: and virtuous company bringeth him every glory.
458. Though themselves are endowed with every virtue, the wise looks upon the company of the pure as a tower of strength.
459. Virtue leadeth unto heaven : and the company of the good steadieth a man in the practice thereof.
460. There is no greater ally to a man than good company : and nothing injureth so much as evil company.
