Thirukkural 156 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒறுத்தார்க்கு ஒருநாளை இன்பம் பொறுத்தார்க்குப்
பொன்றுந் துணையும் புகழ்.
Transliteration
Oruththaarkku Orunaalai Inpam Poruththaarkkup
Pondrun Thunaiyum Pukazh
Modern English
“Striking back at someone who's wronged you might feel satisfying for a day, but staying patient earns you a kind of respect that lasts far longer, sometimes for the rest of your life.”
Modern Interpretation
Striking back at someone who's wronged you might feel satisfying for a day, but staying patient earns you a kind of respect that lasts far longer, sometimes for the rest of your life. For example, choosing not to publicly call out a friend who embarrassed you, and instead letting your calm response speak for itself, tends to be remembered longer than the original insult.
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Modern Plain English
Striking back at someone who's wronged you might feel satisfying for a day, but staying patient earns you a kind of respect that lasts far longer, sometimes for the rest of your life.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Revenge accords but one day's joy Patience carries its praise for aye
G.U. Pope Translation
Who wreak their wrath have pleasure for a day;Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The pleasure of the resentful continues for a day The praise of the patient will continue until (the final destruction of) the world
Tamil commentary
தமக்குத் தீங்கு செய்தவரைத் தண்டித்தவர்க்குத் தண்டித்த அன்று மட்டுமே இன்பம்; பொறுத்துக் கொண்டவர்க்கோ உலகம் அழியும் வரை புகழ் இருக்கும்.
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