Thirukkural 292 in English

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

Tamil original

பொய்மையும் வாய்மை யிடத்த புரைதீர்ந்த
நன்மை பயக்கும் எனின்.

Transliteration

Poimaiyum Vaaimai Yitaththa Puraidheerndha
Nanmai Payakkum Enin

English Translation

“E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice”

Plain-English meaning

Even falsehood has the nature of truth, if it confer a benefit that is free from fault

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice

G.U. Pope Translation

Falsehood may take the place of truthful word,If blessing, free from fault, it can afford

Plain-English Meaning

Even falsehood has the nature of truth, if it confer a benefit that is free from fault

குற்றம் அற்ற நன்மையைத் தரும் என்றால் உண்மை சொல்ல வேண்டிய இடத்தில் பொய்யும் சொல்லலாம்.

Chapter 30

வாய்மை

If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free

E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice

Let not a man knowingly lie; Conscience will scorch and make him sigh

He lives in loving hearts of all Who serves the Truth serene in soul

To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere

Not to lie brings all the praise All virtues from Truth arise

Lie not lie not Naught else you need All virtues are in Truth indeed

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

All lights are not lights for the wise; Truth light is light bright like Sun-light

Of all the things we here have seen Nothing surpasses Truth serene!