Thirukkural 189 in English

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

Tamil original

அறன்நோக்கி ஆற்றுங்கொல் வையம் புறன்நோக்கிப்
புன்சொல் உரைப்பான் பொறை.

Transliteration

Arannokki Aatrungol Vaiyam Purannokkip
Punsol Uraippaan Porai

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The world through charity supports the weight of those who reproach others observing their absence

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis charity, I ween, that makes the earth sustain their loadWho, neighbours' absence watching, tales or slander tell abroad

Plain-English Meaning

The world through charity supports the weight of those who reproach others observing their absence

பிறர் இல்லாதபோது அவரைப் பழிக்கும் இழிசொற்களைப் பேசுபவனின் உடல் பாரத்தை இவனையும் சுமப்பதே என் தருமம் என்றெண்ணி இப்பூமி சுமக்கிறது போலும்!

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