Thirukkural 117 in English

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

Tamil original

கெடுவாக வையாது உலகம் நடுவாக
நன்றிக்கண் தங்கியான் தாழ்வு.

Transliteration

Ketuvaaka Vaiyaadhu Ulakam Natuvaaka
Nandrikkan Thangiyaan Thaazhvu

English Translation

“The just reduced to poverty Is not held down by equity”

Plain-English meaning

The great will not regard as poverty the low estate of that man who dwells in the virtue of equity

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

The just reduced to poverty Is not held down by equity

G.U. Pope Translation

The man who justly lives, tenacious of the right,In low estate is never low to wise man's sight

Plain-English Meaning

The great will not regard as poverty the low estate of that man who dwells in the virtue of equity

நீதி என்னும் அறவாழ்வு வாழ்ந்தும் ஒருவன் வறுமைப்பட்டுப் போவான் என்றால், அதை வறுமை என்று உயர்ந்தோர் எண்ணவேமாட்டார்.

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