Thirukkural 389 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செவிகைப்பச் சொற்பொறுக்கும் பண்புடை வேந்தன்
கவிகைக்கீழ்த் தங்கும் உலகு.
Transliteration
Sevikaippach Chorporukkum Panputai Vendhan
Kavikaikkeezhth Thangum Ulaku
Modern English
“A strong leader can listen patiently even when criticism is painful, especially when it points out a real problem.”
Modern Interpretation
A strong leader can listen patiently even when criticism is painful, especially when it points out a real problem. For example, a team manager who accepts difficult feedback can fix a mistake before it harms everyone.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A strong leader can listen patiently even when criticism is painful, especially when it points out a real problem.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Under his shelter thrives the world Who bears remarks bitter and bold
G.U. Pope Translation
The king of worth, who can words bitter to his ear endure,Beneath the shadow of his power the world abides secure
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The whole world will dwell under the umbrella of the king, who can bear words that embitter the ear
Tamil commentary
இடித்துக் கூறும் தகுதி மிக்க பெரியோரின் சொற்கள் தனக்கு ஏற்பன அல்ல என்றாலும் வருவது எண்ணிப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்ளும் பண்புள்ள அரசின் குடைக் கீழ், இந்த உலகமே தங்கும்.
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