Thirukkural 296 in English

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

Tamil original

பொய்யாமை அன்ன புகழில்லை எய்யாமை
எல்லா அறமுந் தரும்.

Transliteration

Poiyaamai Anna Pukazhillai Eyyaamai
Ellaa Aramun Tharum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

There is no praise like the praise of never uttering a falsehood: without causing any suffering, it will lead to every virtue

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

No praise like that of words from falsehood free;This every virtue yields spontaneously

Plain-English Meaning

There is no praise like the praise of never uttering a falsehood: without causing any suffering, it will lead to every virtue

பொய் சொல்லாமல் இருப்பது போலப் புகழ் தருவது இல்லை. அது அவன் அறியாமலேயே அவனுக்கு எல்லாப் புண்ணியங்களையும் தரும்.

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!