Thirukkural 172 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
படுபயன் வெஃகிப் பழிப்படுவ செய்யார்
நடுவன்மை நாணு பவர்.
Transliteration
Patupayan Veqkip Pazhippatuva Seyyaar
Natuvanmai Naanu Pavar
Modern English
“People who genuinely feel uncomfortable with unfairness won't do something shameful just because it might pay off.”
Modern Interpretation
People who genuinely feel uncomfortable with unfairness won't do something shameful just because it might pay off. Their conscience acts as a kind of built-in brake. For example, someone offered an easy way to cheat on a test will turn it down, not because they're afraid of getting caught, but because it simply doesn't sit right with them.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who genuinely feel uncomfortable with unfairness won't do something shameful just because it might pay off.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who shrink with shame from sin, refrain From coveting which brings ruin
G.U. Pope Translation
Through lust of gain, no deeds that retribution bring,Do they, who shrink with shame from every unjust thing
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who blush at the want of equity will not commit disgraceful acts through desire of the profit that may be gained
Tamil commentary
பிறர் பொருளைக் கவர்ந்து அனுபவிக்க எண்ணிப் பழி தரும் செயல்களை, நீதிக்கு அஞ்சுபவர் செய்ய மாட்டார்.
Chapter 18
More from Not Coveting
வெஃகாமை
Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith
Kural 172Who shrink with shame from sin, refrain From coveting which brings ruin
Kural 173For spiritual bliss who long For fleeting joy commit no wrong
Kural 174The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all
Kural 175What is one's subtle wisdom worth If it deals ill with all on earth
Kural 176Who seeks for grace on righteous path Suffers by evil covetous wealth
Kural 177Shun the fruit of covetousness All its yield is inglorious
Kural 178The mark of lasting wealth is shown By not coveting others' own
Kural 179Fortune seeks the just and wise Who are free from coveting vice
Kural 180Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall