Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural – 202

Since evil deeds beget evil, evil deeds
are feared more than a fiery blaze.

தீயவை தீய பயத்தலான், தீயவை
தீயினும் அஞ்சப்படும்.

An evil deed never goes unpunished. It will bring evil to one who did it. So it is to be feared more than a fiery blaze. A fire will burn a person then and there. But even if a person escapes retribution after doing an evil deed, it will follow them and will take its toll. Hence it is feared more than a fire.

பயத்தல் – beget / bring about