Thirukkural 135 in English

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

Tamil original

அழுக்கா றுடையான்கண் ஆக்கம்போன்று இல்லை
ஒழுக்க மிலான்கண் உயர்வு.

Transliteration

Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru Illai
Ozhukka Milaankan Uyarvu

English Translation

“The envious prosper but ill The ill-behaved sinks lower still”

Plain-English meaning

Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The envious prosper but ill The ill-behaved sinks lower still

G.U. Pope Translation

The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains,So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains

Plain-English Meaning

Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness

பொறாமை உள்ளவனுக்குச் செல்வம் இல்லை என்பது போல், ஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவனுக்கு உயர்குலம் என்பதும் இல்லை.

Chapter 14

ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை

Decorum does one dignity More than life guard its purity

Virtues of conduct all excel; The soul aid should be guarded well

Good conduct shows good family Low manners mark anomaly

Readers recall forgotten lore, But conduct lost returns no more

The envious prosper but ill The ill-behaved sinks lower still

The firm from virtue falter not They know the ills of evil thought

Conduct good ennobles man, Bad conduct entails disgrace mean

Good conduct sows seeds of blessings Bad conduct endless evil brings

Foul words will never fall from lips Of righteous men even by slips

Though read much they are ignorant Whose life is not world-accordant