Thirukkural 293 in English

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

Tamil original

தன்நெஞ் சறிவது பொய்யற்க பொய்த்தபின்
தன்நெஞ்சே தன்னைச் சுடும்.

Transliteration

Thannenj Charivadhu Poiyarka Poiththapin
Thannenje Thannaich Chutum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Let not a man knowingly tell a lie; for after he has told the lie, his mind will burn him (with the memory of his guilt)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Speak not a word which false thy own heart knowsSelf-kindled fire within the false one's spirit glows

Plain-English Meaning

Let not a man knowingly tell a lie; for after he has told the lie, his mind will burn him (with the memory of his guilt)

பொய் என்று உள்ளம் உணர்த்துவதைச் சொல்ல வேண்டா. சொன்னால், அதைப் பொய் என்று உலகு அறிய நேரும்போது தன் மனமே தன்னைச் சுடும்.

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!