# XXIX: Abstaining from Fraud explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter warns against fraud and deceit, emphasizing that even the thought of cheating others leads to ruin. True fortune comes from righteousness, while wealth gained through fraud is doomed. The righteous inherit eternal blessings, but the deceitful lose even their own selves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Harmony and Ethics

The chapter emphasizes that fraud disrupts social trust and harmony, urging individuals to act righteously to maintain communal well-being.

### Karma and Destiny

It warns that fraudulent gains are doomed and that righteousness leads to eternal rewards, reflecting a karmic view of justice.

## Character check-ins

### the Kural

The Kural is the source of the teachings in this chapter, personified as the voice of wisdom.

## Key lines

> Whoso wanteth not to be held in contempt, let him guard himself against every thought of fraud.

If you don't want to be despised, avoid even the slightest intention to deceive.

_This sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing internal purity over mere external actions._

> The fortune that is built up by fraud may appear to thrive; but it is doomed forever.

Wealth gained through cheating might seem successful temporarily, but it is ultimately destined for destruction.

_Highlights the karmic consequence of dishonest gain._

> He that deceiveth others is not master even of his own body: but the world of the Gods itself is a never-failing inheritance unto the men that are righteous.

A deceiver loses control over his own life, while the righteous inherit the eternal realm of the gods.

_Contrasts the ultimate fate of the deceitful versus the righteous._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxix-abstaining-from-fraud
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters