Thirukkural 144 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எனைத்துணையர் ஆயினும் என்னாம் தினைத்துணையும்
தேரான் பிறனில் புகல்.
Transliteration
Enaiththunaiyar Aayinum Ennaam Thinaiththunaiyum
Theraan Piranil Pukal
Modern English
“However impressive or accomplished someone is, none of it means much if they don't stop to consider the harm before pursuing someone who's already committed elsewhere.”
Modern Interpretation
However impressive or accomplished someone is, none of it means much if they don't stop to consider the harm before pursuing someone who's already committed elsewhere. Status doesn't excuse the choice. For example, a popular, talented person who pursues a committed friend's partner loses respect fast, no matter how admired they were before.
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Modern Plain English
However impressive or accomplished someone is, none of it means much if they don't stop to consider the harm before pursuing someone who's already committed elsewhere.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Their boasted greatness means nothing When to another's wife they cling
G.U. Pope Translation
How great soe'er they be, what gain have they of life,Who, not a whit reflecting, seek a neighbour's wife
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
However great one may be, what does it avail if, without at all considering his guilt, he goes unto the wife of another ?
Tamil commentary
அடுத்தவன் மனைவியை விரும்பித் தன் பிழையைச் சிறிதும் எணணாமல் அவ்வீட்டில் நுழைபவன் எத்தனைப் பெருமை உடையவனாய் இருந்துதான் என்ன?
Chapter 15
More from Not coveting another"s Wife
பிறனில் விழையாமை
Who know the wealth and virtue's way After other's wife do not stray
Kural 142He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door
Kural 143The vile are dead who evil aim And put faithful friends' wives to shame
Kural 144Their boasted greatness means nothing When to another's wife they cling
Kural 145Who trifles with another's wife His guilty stain will last for life
Kural 146Hatred, sin, fear, and shame-these four Stain adulterers ever more
Kural 147He is the righteous householder His neighbour's wife who covets never
Kural 148They lead a high-souled manly life The pure who eye not another's wife
Kural 149Good in storm bound earth is with those Who clasp not arms of another's spouse
Kural 150Sinners breaking virtue's behest Lust not for another's wife at least