1232. Friends can refuse

வேண்டுவ தெல்லாம் தருவது நட்பல்லவேண்டா தெனச்சொல்லும் நட்பு

venduva thellaam tharuvadhu nadpallavendaa thenaschollum nadpu

Friendship is not giving all that is wanted; friendship is saying, ‘Not that.’

The friend says ‘Not that’ to something the other person wants.

1233. Friendship changes shape

கரைமாறும் ஆறும் கடலை விடாதுவரைமாறும் நட்பின் வழி

karaimaarum aarum kadalai vidaadhuvaraimaarum nadpin vazhi

Even a river that shifts its banks does not leave the sea; nor does friendship that shifts its bounds.

1234. When support withdraws

தோளொடு தோள்கொடுத்தார் தோற்பது தம்முடையதோளை மடக்கிய நாள்

tholodu tholkoduthaar thorpadhu thammudaiyatholai madakkiya naal

For those who stand shoulder to shoulder, defeat is the day their own shoulder is drawn back.