Thirukkural 176 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அருள்வெஃகி ஆற்றின்கண் நின்றான் பொருள்வெஃகிப்
பொல்லாத சூழக் கெடும்.
Transliteration
Arulveqki Aatrinkan Nindraan Porulveqkip
Pollaadha Soozhak Ketum
Modern English
“Even someone who's generally kind and well-meaning can unravel their own good standing if they start scheming to take something that belongs to someone else.”
Modern Interpretation
Even someone who's generally kind and well-meaning can unravel their own good standing if they start scheming to take something that belongs to someone else. One bad plan can undo a lot of good character. For example, an otherwise generous friend who starts plotting to cheat a business partner out of their share risks losing the trust they've spent years building.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even someone who's generally kind and well-meaning can unravel their own good standing if they start scheming to take something that belongs to someone else.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who seeks for grace on righteous path Suffers by evil covetous wealth
G.U. Pope Translation
Though, grace desiring, he in virtue's way stand strong,He's lost who wealth desires, and ponders deeds of wrong
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If he, who through desire of the virtue of kindness abides in the domestic state ie, the path in which it may be obtained, covet (the property of others) and think of evil methods (to obtain it), he will perish
Tamil commentary
அருளை விரும்பிக் குடும்ப வாழ்வில் இருப்பவன், பிறர் பொருளுக்கு ஆசைப்பட்டுப் பொல்லாதது செய்தால், அவன் கெட்டுப் போவான்.
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