Thirukkural 157 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
திறனல்ல தற்பிறர் செய்யினும் நோநொந்து
அறனல்ல செய்யாமை நன்று.
Transliteration
Thiranalla Tharpirar Seyyinum Nonondhu
Aranalla Seyyaamai Nandru
Modern English
“Even when someone treats you badly, it's worth pausing to think about the trouble that kind of behaviour will eventually bring back on them, rather than responding in kind and adding more wrongdoing to the situation.”
Modern Interpretation
Even when someone treats you badly, it's worth pausing to think about the trouble that kind of behaviour will eventually bring back on them, rather than responding in kind and adding more wrongdoing to the situation. For example, choosing not to spread rumours about someone who spread rumours about you keeps you from becoming the kind of person you were upset with in the first place.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Even when someone treats you badly, it's worth pausing to think about the trouble that kind of behaviour will eventually bring back on them, rather than responding in kind and adding more wrongdoing to the situation.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though others cause you wanton pain Grieve not; from unjust harm refrain
G.U. Pope Translation
Though others work thee ill, thus shalt thou blessing reap;Grieve for their sin, thyself from vicious action keep
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Though others inflict injuries on you, yet compassionating the evil (that will come upon them) it will be well not to do them anything contrary to virtue
Tamil commentary
கொடியவற்றைப் பிறர் தனக்குச் செய்தாலும், பதிலுக்குத் தானும் செய்தால் அவர் வருந்துவாரே என வருந்தி, அறம் அல்லாதவற்றைச் செய்யாது இருப்பது நல்லது
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