15. On Begging and its Evil (106-107):

15. On Begging and its Evil (106-107):

While describing begging as an act, the saintly poet says, “ Begging may be pleasant if it is done with cheerfulness. As long as there are those who give without refusing, there will be those who stand in front of them to beg. All the evil of begging will disappear at the sight of those who generously give alms.” Writing on the evils of begging, Valluvar condemns it. If Creator of the world has decreed begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go begging and perish. The ancient poet goes to the extent of saying that even God deserves punishment if he allowed begging. “Though poor, if a man is determined not to beg, he becomes the lord of the universe.” The crop that is grown by hands is far sweeter than the gruel collected by begging. “There is nothing more disgraceful than begging; there is no greater folly than to remedy the evils of poverty by begging”. The maiden earth laughs at those who are lazy and idle and live on begging.”