Thirukkural 119 in English

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

Tamil original

சொற்கோட்டம் இல்லது செப்பம் ஒருதலையா
உட்கோட்டம் இன்மை பெறின்.

Transliteration

Sorkottam Illadhu Seppam Orudhalaiyaa
Utkottam Inmai Perin

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Freedom from obliquity of speech is rectitude, if there be (corresponding) freedom from bias of mind

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Inflexibility in word is righteousness,If men inflexibility of soul possess

Plain-English Meaning

Freedom from obliquity of speech is rectitude, if there be (corresponding) freedom from bias of mind

மனம் ஓரஞ் சாராமல் சமமாக நிற்குமானால் சொல்லிலும் அநீதி பிறக்காது; அதுவே நீதி.

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