Thirukkural 434 in English

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

Tamil original

குற்றமே காக்க பொருளாகக் குற்றமே
அற்றந் த்ரூஉம் பகை.

Transliteration

Kutrame Kaakka Porulaakak Kutrame
Atran Tharooum Pakai

English Translation

“Watch like treasure freedom from fault Our fatal foe is that default”

Plain-English meaning

Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Watch like treasure freedom from fault Our fatal foe is that default

G.U. Pope Translation

Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity

Plain-English Meaning

Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy

அரசிற்கு அழிவுதரும் பகை மனக்குற்றந்தான். அதனால் அக்குற்றம் தன்னிடம் வராமல் காப்பதையே பொருளாகக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

Chapter 44

குற்றங்கடிதல்

Plenty is their prosperity Who're free from wrath pride lust petty

Mean pride, low pleasure, avarice These add blemishes to a prince

Though millet-small their faults might seem Men fearing disgrace, Palm-tall deem

Watch like treasure freedom from fault Our fatal foe is that default

Who fails to guard himself from flaw Loses his life like flame-lit straw

What fault can be the king's who cures First his faults, then scans others

That miser's wealth shall waste and end Who would not for a good cause spend

The gripping greed of miser's heart Is more than fault the worst apart

Never boast yourself in any mood Nor do a deed that does no good

All designs of the foes shall fail If one his wishes guards in veil