Thirukkural 466 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும் செய்தக்க
செய்யாமை யானுங் கெடும்.
Transliteration
Seydhakka Alla Seyak Ketum
Seydhakka Seyyaamai Yaanung Ketum
Modern English
“Doing what is wrong can cause harm, but failing to do what is right can also cause harm.”
Modern Interpretation
Doing what is wrong can cause harm, but failing to do what is right can also cause harm. For example, cheating is wrong, yet refusing to study or help when you should can also lead to failure.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Doing what is wrong can cause harm, but failing to do what is right can also cause harm.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins
G.U. Pope Translation
'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing;Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to
Tamil commentary
செய்யக்கூடாதவற்றைச் செய்தாலும் செய்ய வேண்டியவற்றைச் செய்யாமல் விட்டாலும் அழிவு வரும்.
Chapter 47
More from Acting after due Consideration
தெரிந்து செயல்வகை
Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain
Kural 462Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts
Kural 463The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all
Kural 464They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear
Kural 465Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes
Kural 466Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins
Kural 467Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need
Kural 468Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported
Kural 469Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud
Kural 470Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess