Thirukkural 567 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

கடுமொழியும் கையிகந்த தண்டமும் வேந்தன்
அடுமுரண் தேய்க்கும் அரம்.

Transliteration

Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan
Atumuran Theykkum Aram

English Translation

“Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode”

Plain-English meaning

Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

G.U. Pope Translation

Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right,Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might

Plain-English Meaning

Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies)

கடுமையான சொற்களும், வரம்பு மீறிய தண்டனையும் அரசின் பகையை வெல்லுதற்கு ஏற்ற ஆயுதத்தைத் தேய்த்துக் குறைக்கும் அரம் ஆகும்.

Chapter 57

வெருவந்த செய்யாமை

A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall

Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul

Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails

The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth