702. Care shows in use

பேணுவ தென்பர் பெரிதுரைப்பர் கைப்பிடிதேய்ந்த கருவியே சொல்

penuva thenpar peridhuraippar kaippiditheynda karuviye sol

They say they cherish it and speak of it in lofty words; the tool with the worn-down handle, nothing more, is what says so.

A handle wears down only under the hand that grips it, day after day.

703. Words without deeds

சொற்றிறம் ஒன்றாய்ச் செயற்றிறம் வேறாயின்விற்றிறம் நாணின்றி வில்

sotriram ondraays seyatriram veraayinvitriram naanindri vil

When someone’s words go one way and their deeds another, they are a bow without string or shame.

In Tamil, naan means both ‘bowstring’ and ‘shame’. A bow without its string cannot shoot.

704. Silence reveals character

உரைத்தால் தெரியும் உலோகம் உரையாதிருந்தால் தெரியும் குணம்

uraithaal theriyum ulokam uraiyaathirundaal theriyum kunam

Metal shows what it is when it is rubbed on the touchstone; a person shows what they are when they keep from speaking.