‘Tis no reproach unpropitious fate should ban; But not to do man’s work is foul disgrace to man! Adverse fate is no disgrace to any one; to be without exertion and without knowing what should be known, is disgrace.
நன்மை விளைக்கும் ஊழ் இல்லாதிருத்தல் யார்க்கும் பழி அன்று; அறிய வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து முயற்சி செய்யாதிருத்தலே பழி.
Meaning in English
‘Tis no reproach unpropitious fate should ban; But not to do man’s work is foul disgrace to man! Adverse fate is no disgrace to any one; to be without exertion and without knowing what should be known, is disgrace.
Thirukkural 618 belongs to the wealth (பொருட்பால்) section, chapter Other (ஆள்வினையுடைமை). Written by the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar (திருவள்ளுவர்), it teaches timeless wisdom about wealth.