Thirukkural 387 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இன்சொலால் ஈத்தளிக்க வல்லார்க்குத் தன்சொலால்
தான்கண் டனைத்திவ் வுலகு.
Transliteration
Insolaal Eeththalikka Vallaarkkuth Thansolaal
Thaankan Tanaiththiv Vulaku
Modern English
“Kind speech, generous help, and protection for those who depend on a leader earn trust and cooperation.”
Modern Interpretation
Kind speech, generous help, and protection for those who depend on a leader earn trust and cooperation. For example, a mentor who speaks respectfully and supports a struggling student can inspire that student to help others too.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Kind speech, generous help, and protection for those who depend on a leader earn trust and cooperation.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The world commends and acts his phrase Who sweetly speaks and gives with grace
G.U. Pope Translation
With pleasant speech, who gives and guards with powerful liberal hand,He sees the world obedient all to his command
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The world will praise and submit itself to the mind of the king who is able to give with affability, and to protect all who come to him
Tamil commentary
இனிய சொல்லுடன் பிறர்க்குக் கொடுக்கவும், அவர்களைக் காக்கவும் ஆற்றல் பெற்ற அரசிற்கு அது எண்ணிய எல்லாவற்றையும் இவ்வுலகம் தரும்.
Chapter 39
More from The Greatness of a King
இறைமாட்சி
People, troops, wealth, forts, council, friends Who owns these six is lion of kings
Kural 382Courage, giving, knowledge and zeal Are four failless features royal
Kural 383Alertness, learning bravery Are adjuncts three of monarchy
Kural 384A brave noble king refrains from vice Full of virtue and enterprise
Kural 385The able king gets, stores and guards And spends them for people's safeguards
Kural 386That land prospers where the king is Easy to see, not harsh of words
Kural 387The world commends and acts his phrase Who sweetly speaks and gives with grace
Kural 388He is the Lord of men who does Sound justice and saves his race
Kural 389Under his shelter thrives the world Who bears remarks bitter and bold
Kural 390He is the Light of Kings who has Bounty, justice, care and grace