Thirukkural 422 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சென்ற இடத்தால் செலவிடா தீதொரீஇ
நன்றின்பால் உய்ப்ப தறிவு.
Transliteration
Sendra Itaththaal Selavitaa Theedhoreei
Nandrinpaal Uyppa Tharivu
Modern English
“Wisdom does not let the mind follow every impulse; it turns attention away from harm and toward what is good.”
Modern Interpretation
Wisdom does not let the mind follow every impulse; it turns attention away from harm and toward what is good. For example, pausing before sending an angry message can keep a disagreement from becoming a lasting wound.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Wisdom does not let the mind follow every impulse; it turns attention away from harm and toward what is good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Wisdom checks the straying senses Expels evils, impels goodness
G.U. Pope Translation
Wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would;From every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Not to permit the mind to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom
Tamil commentary
மனம் சென்ற வழியெல்லாம் அதைச் செல்ல விடாமல், தீமையை விட்டு விலக்கி, நல்ல வழியில் நடத்துவது அறிவு.
Chapter 43
More from The Possession of Knowledge
அறிவுடைமை
Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes
Kural 422Wisdom checks the straying senses Expels evils, impels goodness
Kural 423To grasp the Truth from everywhere From everyone is wisdom fair
Kural 424Speaking out thoughts in clear trends Wisdom subtle sense comprehends
Kural 425The wise-world the wise befriend They bloom nor gloom, equal in mind
Kural 426As moves the world so move the wise In tune with changing times and ways
Kural 427The wise foresee what is to come The unwise lack in that wisdom
Kural 428Fear the frightful and act wisely Not to fear the frightful's folly
Kural 429No frightful evil shocks the wise Who guard themselves against surprise
Kural 430Who have wisdom they are all full Whatev'r they own, misfits are nil