Thirukkural 639 in English

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

Tamil original

பழுதெண்ணும் மந்திரியின் பக்கததுள் தெவ்வோர்
எழுபது கோடி உறும்.

Transliteration

Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor
Ezhupadhu Koti Urum

English Translation

“Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter”

Plain-English meaning

Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter

G.U. Pope Translation

A minister who by king's side plots evil thingsWorse woes than countless foemen brings

Plain-English Meaning

Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin

தன் கட்சிக்காரராய் அருகிலேயே இருந்தும், நாட்டு நலனை எண்ணாமல் தன்னலமே எண்ணும் அமைச்சர், எழுபது கோடி எதிர்கட்சிக்காரருக்குச் சமம் ஆவார்.

Chapter 64

அமைச்சு

He is minister who chooses Right means, time, mode and rare ventures

With these he guards people, -by his Knowledge, firmness and manliness

A minister cherishes friends Divides foes and the parted blends

A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact

Have him for help who virtue knows Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts

Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?

Albeit you know to act from books Act after knowing world's outlooks

The man in place must tell the facts Though the ignorant king refutes

Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter

The unresolved, though well designed To fulfil an act they have no mind