Thirukkural 203 in English

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

Tamil original

அறிவினுள் எல்லாந் தலையென்ப தீய
செறுவார்க்கும் செய்யா விடல்.

Transliteration

Arivinul Ellaan Thalaiyenpa Theeya
Seruvaarkkum Seyyaa Vital

English Translation

“The wisest of the wise are those Who injure not even their foes”

Plain-English meaning

So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The wisest of the wise are those Who injure not even their foes

G.U. Pope Translation

Even to those that hate make no return of ill;So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil

Plain-English Meaning

So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil

தனக்குத் தீமை செய்பவர்க்கும் தீமை செய்யாது இருப்பதே, அறிவில் எல்லாம் முதன்மை அறிவு என்று கூறுவர்.

Chapter 21

தீவினையச்சம்

Sinners fear not the pride of sin The worthy dread the ill within

Since evil begets evil dire Fear ye evil more than fire

The wisest of the wise are those Who injure not even their foes

His ruin virtue plots who plans The ruin of another man's

Who makes poverty plea for ill Shall reduce himself poorer still

From wounding others let him refrain Who would from harm himself remain

Men may escape other foes and live But sin its deadly blow will give

Ruin follows who evil do As shadow follows as they go

Let none who loves himself at all Think of evil however small

He is secure, know ye, from ills Who slips not right path to do evils