Thirukkural 113 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

நன்றே தரினும் நடுவிகந்தாம் ஆக்கத்தை
அன்றே யொழிய விடல்.

Transliteration

Nandre Tharinum Natuvikandhaam Aakkaththai
Andre Yozhiya Vital

English Translation

“Though profitable, turn away From unjust gains without delay”

Plain-English meaning

Forsake in the very moment (of acquisition) that gain which, though it should bring advantage, is without equity

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Though profitable, turn away From unjust gains without delay

G.U. Pope Translation

Though only good it seem to give, yet gainBy wrong acquired, not e'en one day retain

Plain-English Meaning

Forsake in the very moment (of acquisition) that gain which, though it should bring advantage, is without equity

நன்மையே தருவதாக இருந்தாலும் நீதியை விட்டு விலகுவதால் வரும் லாபத்தை, அப்பொழுதே விட்டு விடுக.

Chapter 12

நடுவு நிலைமை

Equity is supreme virtue It is to give each man his due

Wealth of the man of equity Grows and lasts to posterity

Though profitable, turn away From unjust gains without delay

The worthy and the unworthy Are seen in their posterity

Loss and gain by cause arise; Equal mind adorns the wise

Of perdition let him be sure Who leaves justice to sinful lure

The just reduced to poverty Is not held down by equity

Like balance holding equal scales A well poised mind is jewel of the wise

Justice is upright, unbending And free from crooked word-twisting

A trader's trade prospers fairly When his dealings are neighbourly