Thirukkural 139 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒழுக்க முடையவர்க்கு ஒல்லாவே தீய
வழுக்கியும் வாயாற் சொலல்.
Transliteration
Ozhukka Mutaiyavarkku Ollaave Theeya
Vazhukkiyum Vaayaar Solal
Modern English
“People who genuinely practice good conduct are careful enough that they won't let a cruel or careless word slip out, even by accident.”
Modern Interpretation
People who genuinely practice good conduct are careful enough that they won't let a cruel or careless word slip out, even by accident. Their restraint becomes second nature over time. For example, someone used to speaking kindly will catch themselves before an unkind joke slips out, even when they're tired or frustrated.
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Modern Plain English
People who genuinely practice good conduct are careful enough that they won't let a cruel or careless word slip out, even by accident.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Foul words will never fall from lips Of righteous men even by slips
G.U. Pope Translation
It cannot be that they who 'strict decorum's' law fulfil,E'en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully
Tamil commentary
மறந்தும் தீய சொற்களைத் தம் வாயால் கூறுவது, ஒழுக்கம் உடையவர்க்கு முடியாது.
Chapter 14
More from The Possession of Decorum
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை
Decorum does one dignity More than life guard its purity
Kural 132Virtues of conduct all excel; The soul aid should be guarded well
Kural 133Good conduct shows good family Low manners mark anomaly
Kural 134Readers recall forgotten lore, But conduct lost returns no more
Kural 135The envious prosper but ill The ill-behaved sinks lower still
Kural 136The firm from virtue falter not They know the ills of evil thought
Kural 137Conduct good ennobles man, Bad conduct entails disgrace mean
Kural 138Good conduct sows seeds of blessings Bad conduct endless evil brings
Kural 139Foul words will never fall from lips Of righteous men even by slips
Kural 140Though read much they are ignorant Whose life is not world-accordant