Thirukkural 155 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒறுத்தாரை ஒன்றாக வையாரே வைப்பர்
பொறுத்தாரைப் பொன்போற் பொதிந்து.
Transliteration
Oruththaarai Ondraaka Vaiyaare Vaippar
Poruththaaraip Ponpor Podhindhu
Modern English
“People generally don't hold onto much respect for those who lash out and retaliate at every slight, but they treasure someone who shows patience the way they'd treasure something precious.”
Modern Interpretation
People generally don't hold onto much respect for those who lash out and retaliate at every slight, but they treasure someone who shows patience the way they'd treasure something precious. For example, a coworker who stays composed during a heated meeting earns more lasting respect than one who fires back at every criticism.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
People generally don't hold onto much respect for those who lash out and retaliate at every slight, but they treasure someone who shows patience the way they'd treasure something precious.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Vengeance is not in esteem held Patience is praised as hidden gold
G.U. Pope Translation
Who wreak their wrath as worthless are despised;Who patiently forbear as gold are prized
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
(The wise) will not at all esteem the resentful They will esteem the patient just as the gold which they lay up with care
Tamil commentary
தனக்குத் தீமை செய்தவரைப் பொறுக்காமல் தண்டித்தவரைப் பெரியோர் ஒரு பொருட்டாக மதிக்கமாட்டார்; பொறுத்துக் கொண்டவரையோ பொன்னாகக் கருதி மதிப்பர்.
Chapter 16
More from The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
பொறையுடைமை
As earth bears up with diggers too To bear revilers is prime virtue
Kural 152Forgive insults is a good habit Better it is to forget it
Kural 153Neglect the guest is dearth of dearth To bear with fools is strength of strength
Kural 154Practice of patient quality Retains intact itegrity
Kural 155Vengeance is not in esteem held Patience is praised as hidden gold
Kural 156Revenge accords but one day's joy Patience carries its praise for aye
Kural 157Though others cause you wanton pain Grieve not; from unjust harm refrain
Kural 158By noble forbearance vanquish The proud that have caused you anguish
Kural 159More than ascetics they are pure Who bitter tongues meekly endure
Kural 160Who fast are great to do penance Greater are they who bear offence