Thirukkural 438 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பற்றுள்ளம் என்னும் இவறன்மை எற்றுள்ளும்
எண்ணப் படுவதொன் றன்று.
Transliteration
Patrullam Ennum Ivaranmai Etrullum
Ennap Patuvadhon Randru
Modern English
“Extreme stinginess is more than an ordinary fault because it prevents wealth from doing any good.”
Modern Interpretation
Extreme stinginess is more than an ordinary fault because it prevents wealth from doing any good. For example, someone who refuses every necessary repair may eventually lose far more than the cost of fixing the problem.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Extreme stinginess is more than an ordinary fault because it prevents wealth from doing any good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The gripping greed of miser's heart Is more than fault the worst apart
G.U. Pope Translation
The greed of soul that avarice men call,When faults are summed, is worst of all
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all)
Tamil commentary
செலவிட வேண்டியவற்றிற்குச் செலவிடாமல் செல்வத்தின் மீது ஆசை கொண்ட கஞ்ச மனத்தைப் பெற்றிருப்பது குற்றங்கள் எல்லாவற்றிலும் கொடிய குற்றமாகும்.
Chapter 44
More from The Correction of Faults
குற்றங்கடிதல்
Plenty is their prosperity Who're free from wrath pride lust petty
Kural 432Mean pride, low pleasure, avarice These add blemishes to a prince
Kural 433Though millet-small their faults might seem Men fearing disgrace, Palm-tall deem
Kural 434Watch like treasure freedom from fault Our fatal foe is that default
Kural 435Who fails to guard himself from flaw Loses his life like flame-lit straw
Kural 436What fault can be the king's who cures First his faults, then scans others
Kural 437That miser's wealth shall waste and end Who would not for a good cause spend
Kural 438The gripping greed of miser's heart Is more than fault the worst apart
Kural 439Never boast yourself in any mood Nor do a deed that does no good
Kural 440All designs of the foes shall fail If one his wishes guards in veil