Thirukkural Chapter 84 - Folly

Couplet 831 
What one thing merits folly's special name.
Letting gain go, loss for one's own to claim
Explanation
Folly is one (of the chief defects); it is that which (makes one) incur loss and forego gain

Couplet 832 
'Mid follies chiefest folly is to fix your love
On deeds which to your station unbefitting prove
Explanation
The greatest folly is that which leads one to take delight in doing what is forbidden

Couplet 833 
Ashamed of nothing, searching nothing out, of loveless heart,
Nought cherishing, 'tis thus the fool will play his part
Explanation
Shamelessness indifference (to what must be sought after), harshness, and aversion for everything (that ought to be desired) are the qualities of the fool

Couplet 834 
The sacred law he reads and learns, to other men expounds,-
Himself obeys not; where can greater fool be found
Explanation
There are no greater fools than he who, though he has read and understood (a great deal) and even taught it to others, does not walk according to his own teaching

Couplet 835 
The fool will merit hell in one brief life on earth,
In which he entering sinks through sevenfold round of birth
Explanation
A fool can procure in a single birth a hell into which he may enter and suffer through all the seven births

Couplet 836 
When fool some task attempts with uninstructed pains,
It fails; nor that alone, himself he binds with chains
Explanation
If the fool, who knows not how to act undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail (But) is it all ? He will even adorn himself with fetters

Couplet 837 
When fools are blessed with fortune's bounteous store,
Their foes feed full, their friends are prey to hunger sore
Explanation
If a fool happens to get an immense fortune, his neighbours will enjoy it while his relations starve

Couplet 838 
When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill be
As when a mad man raves in drunken glee
Explanation
A fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy

Couplet 839 
Friendship of fools is very pleasant thing,
Parting with them will leave behind no sting
Explanation
The friendship between fools is exceedingly delightful (to each other): for at parting there will be

Couplet 840 
Like him who seeks his couch with unwashed feet,
Is fool whose foot intrudes where wise men meet
Explanation
The appearance of a fool in an assembly of the learned is like placing (one's) unwashed feet on a bed