Tirukural/Chapter 47

461 Expenditure, return, and profit of the deed In time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed.

Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act.

462 With chosen friends deliberate; next use the private thought; Then act. By those who thus proceed all works with ease are wrought.

There is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends.

463 To risk one's all and lose, aiming at added gain, Is rash affair, from which the wise abstain.

Wise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal.

464 A work of which the issue is not clear, Begin not they reproachful scorn who fear.

Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them.

465 With plans not well matured to rise against your foe, Is way to plant him out where he is sure to grow!

One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances).

466 'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing; Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring.

He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to do.

467 Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry, 'Deed dared, we'll think,' disgraced shall be.

Consider, and then undertake a matter; after having undertaken it, to say "We will consider," is folly.

468 On no right system if man toil and strive, Though many men assist, no work can thrive.

The work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it.

469 Though well the work be done, yet one mistake is made, To habitudes of various men when no regard is paid.

There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men.

470 Plan and perform no work that others may despise; What misbeseems a king the world will not approve as wise.

Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt.