Thirukkural 470 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எள்ளாத எண்ணிச் செயல்வேண்டும் தம்மோடு
கொள்ளாத கொள்ளாது உலகு.
Transliteration
Ellaadha Ennich Cheyalventum Thammotu
Kollaadha Kollaadhu Ulaku
Modern English
“Choose actions that fit your role and will not bring justified disrespect.”
Modern Interpretation
Choose actions that fit your role and will not bring justified disrespect. For example, a team leader should keep promises instead of making flashy claims they cannot fulfill.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Choose actions that fit your role and will not bring justified disrespect.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess
G.U. Pope Translation
Plan and perform no work that others may despise;What misbeseems a king the world will not approve as wise
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Let a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt
Tamil commentary
தன் தகுதிக்குப் பொருந்தாத வழிமுறைகளைச் செய்தால் மக்கள் அதை இகழ்வர்; அதனால் மக்கள் இகழாத வழிமுறைகளை எண்ணிச் செய்ய வேண்டும்.
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