Thirukkural 171 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

நடுவின்றி நன்பொருள் வெஃகின் குடிபொன்றிக்
குற்றமும் ஆங்கே தரும்.

Transliteration

Natuvindri Nanporul Veqkin Kutipondrik
Kutramum Aange Tharum

English Translation

“Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith”

Plain-English meaning

If a man departing from equity covet the property (of others), at that very time will his family be destroyed and guilt be incurred

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith

G.U. Pope Translation

With soul unjust to covet others' well-earned store,Brings ruin to the home, to evil opes the door

Plain-English Meaning

If a man departing from equity covet the property (of others), at that very time will his family be destroyed and guilt be incurred

பிறர்க்குரிய பொருளை அநீதியாக விரும்பிக் கவர்ந்தால், கவர்ந்தவனின் குடும்பம் அழியும்; குற்றங்கள் பெருகும்.

Chapter 18

வெஃகாமை

Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith

Who shrink with shame from sin, refrain From coveting which brings ruin

For spiritual bliss who long For fleeting joy commit no wrong

The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all

What is one's subtle wisdom worth If it deals ill with all on earth

Who seeks for grace on righteous path Suffers by evil covetous wealth

Shun the fruit of covetousness All its yield is inglorious

The mark of lasting wealth is shown By not coveting others' own

Fortune seeks the just and wise Who are free from coveting vice

Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall