202. Returning to old hurt

ஆறிய புண்ணைத் தொடர்ந்து சொறிபவற்குமாறிய தோலே பகை

aariya punnaidh thodarndu soripavarkumaariya thole pakai

To one who keeps scratching a healed wound, the changed skin itself is the enemy.

Once a wound heals, skin covers it. To the hand that keeps going back, that skin is what stands in the way.

203. Cruel words hurt back

கேட்டவர் நெஞ்சிற் கிடக்கும் கொடுஞ்சொல்லைச்சூட்டியவர் நெஞ்சிற் சுடும்

kettavar nenjir kidakkum kodunjollaissoottiyavar nenjir sudum

The cruel word that lies in the heart of the one who heard it burns in the heart of the one who laid it there.

204. Compassion comes late

கடிந்தபின் தோன்றும் இரக்கமே காலம்கடந்தபின் தோன்றும் மழை

kadindapin thondrum irakkame kaalamkadandapin thondrum mazhai

The pity that comes after a scolding is the rain that comes after its season has passed.