Thirukkural Chapter 97 - Honour

Couplet 961 
Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain,
Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stain
Explanation
Actions that would degrade (one's) family should not be done; though they may be so important that not doing them would end in death

Couplet 962 
Who seek with glory to combine honour's untarnished fame,
Do no inglorious deeds, though men accord them glory's name
Explanation
Those who desire (to maintain their) honour, will surely do nothing dishonourable, even for the sake of fame

Couplet 963 
Bow down thy soul, with increase blest, in happy hour;
Lift up thy heart, when stript of all by fortune's power
Explanation
In great prosperity humility is becoming; dignity, in great adversity

Couplet 964 
Like hairs from off the head that fall to earth,
When fall'n from high estate are men of noble birth
Explanation
They who have fallen from their (high) position are like the hair which has fallen from the head

Couplet 965 
If meanness, slight as 'abrus' grain, by men be wrought,
Though like a hill their high estate, they sink to nought
Explanation
Even those who are exalted like a hill will be thought low, if they commit deeds that are debasing

Couplet 966 
It yields no praise, nor to the land of Gods throws wide the gate:
Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait
Explanation
Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait?

Couplet 967 
Better 'twere said, 'He's perished!' than to gain
The means to live, following in foeman's train
Explanation
It is better for a man to be said of him that he died in his usual state than that he eked out his life by following those who disgraced him

Couplet 968 
When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet,
Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweet
Explanation
For the high-born to keep their body in life when their honour is gone will certainly not prove a remedy against death

Couplet 969 
Like the wild ox that, of its tuft bereft, will pine away,
Are those who, of their honour shorn, will quit the light of day
Explanation
Those who give up (their) life when (their) honour is at stake are like the yark which kills itself at the loss of (even one of) its hairs

Couplet 970 
Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memory
Will live in worship and applause of all the world for aye
Explanation
The world will (always) praise and adore the fame of the honourable who would rather die than suffer indignity