Thirukkural Chapter 100 - Courtesy

Couplet 991 
Who easy access give to every man, they say,
Of kindly courtesy will learn with ease the way
Explanation
If one is easy of access to all, it will be easy for one to obtain the virtue called goodness

Couplet 992 
Benevolence and high born dignity,
These two are beaten paths of courtesy
Explanation
Affectionateness and birth in a good family, these two constitute what is called a proper behaviour to all

Couplet 993 
Men are not one because their members seem alike to outward view;
Similitude of kindred quality makes likeness true
Explanation
Resemblance of bodies is no resemblance of souls; true resemblance is the resemblance of qualities that attract

Couplet 994 
Of men of fruitful life, who kindly benefits dispense,
The world unites to praise the 'noble excellence.'
Explanation
The world applauds the character of those whose usefulness results from their equity and charity

Couplet 995 
Contempt is evil though in sport They who man's nature know,
E'en in their wrath, a courteous mind will show
Explanation
Reproach is painful to one even in sport; those (therefore) who know the nature of others exhibit (pleasing) qualities even when they are hated

Couplet 996 
The world abides; for 'worthy' men its weight sustain
Were it not so, 'twould fall to dust again
Explanation
The (way of the) world subsists by contact with the good; if not, it would bury itself in the earth and perish

Couplet 997 
Though sharp their wit as file, as blocks they must remain,
Whose souls are void of 'courtesy humane'
Explanation
He who is destitute of (true) human qualities (only) resembles a tree, though he may possess the sharpness of a file

Couplet 998 
Though men with all unfriendly acts and wrongs assail,
'Tis uttermost disgrace in 'courtesy' to fail
Explanation
It is wrong (for the wise) not to exhibit (good) qualities even towards those who bearing no friendship (for them) do only what is hateful

Couplet 999 
To him who knows not how to smile in kindly mirth,
Darkness in daytime broods o'er all the vast and mighty earth
Explanation
To those who cannot rejoice, the wide world is buried darkness even in (broad) day light

Couplet 1000 
Like sweet milk soured because in filthy vessel poured,
Is ample wealth in churlish man's unopened coffers stored
Explanation
The great wealth obtained by one who has no goodness will perish like pure milk spoilt by the impurity of the vessel.