Wanton Women
Anpin Vizhaiyaar Porulvizhaiyum Aaidhotiyaar / Insol Izhukkuth Tharum
Classical English couplet — “Those that choice armlets wear who seek not thee with love,But seek thy wealth, their pleasant words will ruin prove”
What it says in plain words
“Sweet words can bring pain when someone wants your money, not your love. Believing those words can leave you hurt and misled.”
The classical Tamil reading
அன் பினால் விரும்பாமல் பொருள் காரணமாக விரும்புகின்ற பொது மகளிர் பேசுகின்ற இனிய சொல், ஒருவனுக்கு துன்பத்தைக் கொடுக்கும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அன்பே இல்லாமல் பொருள் திரட்டுவதையே குறிக்கோளாகக் கொண்ட பொதுமகளிர் இனிமையாகப் பேசுவதை நம்பி ஏமாறுகிறவர்களுக்கு இறுதியில் துன்பமே வந்து சேரும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet warns about loving words used only to gain money. Such words may feel warm, but sweet words are not proof of love. Trusting them can lead to lost money and hurt feelings. Notice whether someone's actions show care beyond what you can give.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Someone sends loving messages but only contacts you when they want money.
- Workplace
- A coworker praises you warmly whenever they want you to lend them money.
- Family
- You help a relative think carefully before sending money to someone promising love.
- Society
- A community group helps people recognize false promises of love used to take money.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Pause before giving money to someone whose loving words are followed by requests.
- Integrity
- Do not pretend to care about someone just to gain money.
- Communication
- Be honest about money instead of hiding requests behind loving words.
- Leadership
- Help others notice when warm words hide a wish for money.
- Governance
- Support people who report being tricked into giving money through false promises of love.
For leaders and teams
Teach those you guide to look for care in actions, not just words. Help them pause when affection seems tied to money.
Something to sit with
“What helps you tell genuine care from kind words used to get money?”