Thirukkural 186 in English

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

Tamil original

பிறன்பழி கூறுவான் தன்பழி யுள்ளும்
திறன்தெரிந்து கூறப் படும்.

Transliteration

Piranpazhi Kooruvaan Thanpazhi Yullum
Thirandherindhu Koorap Patum

English Translation

“His failings will be found and shown, Who makes another's failings known”

Plain-English meaning

The character of the faults of that man who publishes abroad the faults of others will be sought out and published

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

His failings will be found and shown, Who makes another's failings known

G.U. Pope Translation

Who on his neighbours' sins delights to dwell,The story of his sins, culled out with care, the world will tell

Plain-English Meaning

The character of the faults of that man who publishes abroad the faults of others will be sought out and published

அடுத்தவன் குறையை அவன் இல்லாத போது எவன் கூறுகிறானோ, அவனது குறை அவன் இல்லாதபோது இன்னொருவனால் கூறப்படும்.

Chapter 19

புறங்கூறாமை

Though a man from virtue strays, To keep from slander brings him praise

Who bite behind, and before smile Are worse than open traitors vile

Virtue thinks it better to die, Than live to backbite and to lie

Though harsh you speak in one's presence Abuse is worse in his absence

Who turns to slander makes it plain His praise of virtue is in vain

His failings will be found and shown, Who makes another's failings known

By pleasing words who make not friends Sever their hearts by hostile trends

What will they not to strangers do Who bring their friends' defects to view?

The world in mercy bears his load Who rants behind words untoward

No harm would fall to any man If each his own defect could scan