Thirukkural 634 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தெரிதலும் தேர்ந்து செயலும் ஒருதலையாச்
சொல்லலும் வல்லது அமைச்சு.
Transliteration
Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach
Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu
Modern English
“A good minister studies what should be done, chooses the best way to do it, and speaks clearly once the decision is made.”
Modern Interpretation
A good minister studies what should be done, chooses the best way to do it, and speaks clearly once the decision is made. For example, a leader should compare options, act at the right time, and explain the final plan without wavering.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
A good minister studies what should be done, chooses the best way to do it, and speaks clearly once the decision is made.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact
G.U. Pope Translation
A minister has power to see the methods help afford,To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity)
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலைப் பற்றி பலவகையிலும் ஆராய்ந்து அறிதல், வாய்ப்பு வரும்போது ஆராய்ந்தபடி செய்தல், நன்மை தருவனவற்றையே உறுதியாகச் சொல்லுதல் என்னும் இவற்றில் வல்லவரே அமைச்சர்.
Chapter 64
More from The Office of Minister of state
அமைச்சு
He is minister who chooses Right means, time, mode and rare ventures
Kural 632With these he guards people, -by his Knowledge, firmness and manliness
Kural 633A minister cherishes friends Divides foes and the parted blends
Kural 634A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact
Kural 635Have him for help who virtue knows Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts
Kural 636Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?
Kural 637Albeit you know to act from books Act after knowing world's outlooks
Kural 638The man in place must tell the facts Though the ignorant king refutes
Kural 639Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter
Kural 640The unresolved, though well designed To fulfil an act they have no mind