Thirukkural Chapter 64 - The Office of Minister of state

Couplet 631 
A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large,
Means, time, work's mode, and functions rare he must discharge
Explanation
The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself)

Couplet 632 
A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind,
Learn'd wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined
Explanation
The minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness,

Couplet 633 
A minister is he whose power can foes divide,
Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide
Explanation
The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him)

Couplet 634 
A minister has power to see the methods help afford,
To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word
Explanation
The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity)

Couplet 635 
The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant words
With plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords
Explanation
He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of performing actions).

Couplet 636 
When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,
'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before
Explanation
What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?

Couplet 637 
Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tact
To follow common sense of men in act
Explanation
Though you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly

Couplet 638 
'Tis duty of the man in place aloud to say
The very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away
Explanation
Although the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice

Couplet 639 
A minister who by king's side plots evil things
Worse woes than countless foemen brings
Explanation
Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin

Couplet 640 
For gain of end desired just counsel nought avails
To minister, when tact in execution fails
Explanation
Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright