# XXI: Fear of Evildoing explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing evil deeds, as they inevitably bring ruin upon the doer. It contrasts the foolishness of those who commit sin without fear with the wisdom of the virtuous who abstain from wrongdoing, even toward enemies. The text warns that evil deeds pursue their author like a shadow, leading to destruction, and advises that true security lies in adhering to the straight path.

## Themes in this chapter

### Karma and Destiny

The chapter stresses that evil deeds inevitably lead to the doer's destruction, illustrating karmic retribution.

### Virtue and Righteousness

The text advocates for virtuous conduct, urging abstention from evil even toward enemies.

## Character check-ins

### Thiruvalluvar

Author of the Kural, presenting moral teachings on the fear of evildoing.

### the Kural

The text itself, containing the aphorisms on evildoing and its consequences.

## Key lines

> The evil fear not the folly called sin: but the worthy flee from it.

Foolish people are not afraid of committing sin, but virtuous people avoid it.

_Contrast between the reckless and the righteous._

> Evil bringeth forth evil: evil therefore shall be feared even more than fire.

Evil actions produce more evil, so they should be feared more than fire.

_Emphasizes the escalating nature of wrongdoing._

> The chiefest wisdom, they say, is to abstain from injury even to an enemy.

The highest wisdom is to refrain from harming even an enemy.

_Advocates for universal non-violence._

> Let not a man compass another’s ruin even by oversight: for Justice will compass the ruin of him that plotteth evil.

Do not cause another's ruin even accidentally, because justice will destroy the one who plans evil.

_Karmic justice is inevitable._

> Let not a man work evil saying, I am poor: for, if he do, he will sink into a lower destitution than before.

Do not commit evil because of poverty, or you will become even poorer.

_Poverty is no excuse for wrongdoing._

> Whoso desireth not to be saddened by ills, let him abstain from doing injury to others.

If you do not want to suffer, avoid harming others.

_Cause and effect in moral conduct._

> There is a way of escape from every other enemy: but ill deeds never die but pursue and destroy their author.

You can escape any enemy, but evil deeds never die and will destroy their doer.

_The inescapable nature of evil's consequences._

> As the shadow leaveth not a man but doggeth his steps wherever he goeth, even so do evil deeds pursue their author and work his destruction.

Just as a shadow follows a person everywhere, evil deeds follow and destroy their doer.

_Metaphor for the persistent nature of karmic retribution._

> If a man love his own self, let him not incline toward evil in any degree.

If you love yourself, do not lean toward evil at all.

_Self-love requires moral integrity._

> Know that man to be secure from ills who leaveth not the straight path in order to commit wrong.

The person who stays on the straight path and avoids wrongdoing is safe from harm.

_Security comes from moral rectitude._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxi-fear-of-evildoing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters