Kural 293Chapter 30: Veracity

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

Modern English

“Do not say what your own conscience knows is false, because the lie will keep burning inside you afterward.”

Modern Interpretation

Do not say what your own conscience knows is false, because the lie will keep burning inside you afterward. Guilt can become its own punishment. For example, blaming a teammate for your mistake may fool others briefly, but you still have to live with knowing the truth.

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Modern Plain English

Do not say what your own conscience knows is false, because the lie will keep burning inside you afterward.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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)

Tamil commentary

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

Chapter 30

More from Veracity

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Kural 291

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

Kural 292

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

Kural 293

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

Kural 294

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

Kural 295

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

Kural 296

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

Kural 297

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

Kural 298

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

Kural 299

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

Kural 300

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