Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural 787

To stop one from ruin and guide them on to the right path,
And to suffer along with one in distress, is friendship.

அழிவி னவைநீக்கி ஆறுய்த்து அழிவின்கண்
அல்லல் உழப்பதாம் நட்பு.

A good friend will stop one from ruinous actions and guide them on to the right path. Also in times of distress, they will share the suffering of their friend like their own. This defines a good friend.

அழிவு – Ruin / distress
நீக்கி – remove / stop
ஆறு – (Right) way
உய்த்து – to guide
அல்லல் – suffering
உழப்பது – suffer