Thirukkural 421 in English

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

Tamil original

அறிவற்றங் காக்குங் கருவி செறுவார்க்கும்
உள்ளழிக்க லாகா அரண்.

Transliteration

Arivatrang Kaakkung Karuvi Seruvaarkkum
Ullazhikka Laakaa Aran

English Translation

“Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes”

Plain-English meaning

Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes

G.U. Pope Translation

True wisdom wards off woes, A circling fortress high;Its inner strength man's eager foes Unshaken will defy

Plain-English Meaning

Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy

அறிவு நமக்கு அழிவு வராமல் காக்கும் ஆயுதம், பகைவராலும் அழிக்க முடியாத உட்கோட்டை.

Chapter 43

அறிவுடைமை

Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes

Wisdom checks the straying senses Expels evils, impels goodness

To grasp the Truth from everywhere From everyone is wisdom fair

Speaking out thoughts in clear trends Wisdom subtle sense comprehends

The wise-world the wise befriend They bloom nor gloom, equal in mind

As moves the world so move the wise In tune with changing times and ways

The wise foresee what is to come The unwise lack in that wisdom

Fear the frightful and act wisely Not to fear the frightful's folly

No frightful evil shocks the wise Who guard themselves against surprise

Who have wisdom they are all full Whatev'r they own, misfits are nil