Thirukkural 509 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தேறற்க யாரையும் தேராது தேர்ந்தபின்
தேறுக தேறும் பொருள்.
Transliteration
Therarka Yaaraiyum Theraadhu Therndhapin
Theruka Therum Porul
Modern English
“Do not trust people without examining them first; once you have examined someone carefully, trust them in the role that fits them.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not trust people without examining them first; once you have examined someone carefully, trust them in the role that fits them. For example, after checking a volunteer’s skills, let them lead the part of the event they can handle best.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not trust people without examining them first; once you have examined someone carefully, trust them in the role that fits them.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Trust not without testing and then Find proper work for trusted men
G.U. Pope Translation
Trust no man whom you have not fully tried,When tested, in his prudence proved confide
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate
Tamil commentary
எவரையும் ஆராயாமல் பதவியில் அமர்த்த வேண்டா; ஆராய்ந்த பிறகு தேர்ந்தவற்றின்மேல் சந்தேகம் கொள்ளவும் வேண்டா.
Chapter 51
More from Selection and Confidence
தெரிந்து தெளிதல்
Pleasure, gold, fear of life Virtue- Test by these four and trust the true
Kural 502Spotless name of noble birth Shamed of stain-that choice is worth
Kural 503Though deep scholars of stainless sense Rare is freedom from ignorance
Kural 504Good and evil in man weigh well Judge him by virtues which prevail
Kural 505By the touchstone of deeds is seen If any one is great or mean
Kural 506Choose not those men without kinsmen Without affine or shame of sin
Kural 507On favour leaning fools you choose; Folly in all its forms ensues
Kural 508To trust an untried stranger brings Endless troubles on all our kins
Kural 509Trust not without testing and then Find proper work for trusted men
Kural 510Trust without test; The trusted doubt; Both entail troubles in and out