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
Modern English
“A statement that is not literally true may still be treated as truthful when it brings completely blameless good.”
Modern Interpretation
A statement that is not literally true may still be treated as truthful when it brings completely blameless good. This is a narrow exception, not a license to lie for convenience. For example, a surprise planned to comfort someone can hide the truth without harming anyone.
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Modern Plain English
A statement that is not literally true may still be treated as truthful when it brings completely blameless good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Even falsehood has the nature of truth, if it confer a benefit that is free from fault
Tamil commentary
குற்றம் அற்ற நன்மையைத் தரும் என்றால் உண்மை சொல்ல வேண்டிய இடத்தில் பொய்யும் சொல்லலாம்.
Chapter 30
More from Veracity
வாய்மை
If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free
Kural 292E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice
Kural 293Let not a man knowingly lie; Conscience will scorch and make him sigh
Kural 294He lives in loving hearts of all Who serves the Truth serene in soul
Kural 295To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere
Kural 296Not to lie brings all the praise All virtues from Truth arise
Kural 297Lie not lie not Naught else you need All virtues are in Truth indeed
Kural 298Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward
Kural 299All lights are not lights for the wise; Truth light is light bright like Sun-light
Kural 300Of all the things we here have seen Nothing surpasses Truth serene!