Thirukkural 515 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறிந்தாற்றிச் செய்கிற்பாற்கு அல்லால் வினைதான்
சிறந்தானென்று ஏவற்பாற் றன்று.
Transliteration
Arindhaatrich Cheykirpaarku Allaal Vinaidhaan
Sirandhaanendru Evarpaar Randru
Modern English
“Give important work to someone who understands it and can persist through obstacles, not simply to a friend or favorite.”
Modern Interpretation
Give important work to someone who understands it and can persist through obstacles, not simply to a friend or favorite. For example, choose the experienced organizer for the fundraiser even if your closest friend wants the role.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Give important work to someone who understands it and can persist through obstacles, not simply to a friend or favorite.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Wise able men with power invest Not by fondness but by hard test
G.U. Pope Translation
No specious fav'rite should the king's commission bear,But he that knows, and work performs with patient care
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
(A king's) work can only be accomplished by a man of wisdom and patient endurance; it is not of a nature to be given to one from mere personal attachment
Tamil commentary
செய்யும் வழிமுறைகளை அறிந்து தடை வந்தாலும் செய்யும் திறமை உடையவனிடம் அன்றி . இவன் நம்மவன் (கட்சி இனம்) என்று எண்ணி, ஒரு செயலை ஒப்படைக்கக்கூடாது.
Chapter 52
More from Selection and Employment
தெரிந்து வினையாடல்
Employ the wise who will discern The good and bad and do good turn
Kural 512Let him act who resource swells; Fosters wealth and prevents ills
Kural 513Trust him in whom these four you see: Love, wit, non-craving, clarity
Kural 514Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty
Kural 515Wise able men with power invest Not by fondness but by hard test
Kural 516Discern the agent and the deed And just in proper time proceed
Kural 517This work, by this, this man can do Like this entrust the duty due
Kural 518His fitness for the duty scan Leave him to do the best he can
Kural 519Who do duty for duty's sake Doubt them; and fortune departs quick
Kural 520Worker straight the world is straight The king must look to this aright