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
Modern English
“A minister who plans harmful or foolish actions can be more dangerous than countless open enemies.”
Modern Interpretation
A minister who plans harmful or foolish actions can be more dangerous than countless open enemies. For example, a trusted adviser who secretly puts personal gain first can damage an organization from within.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A minister who plans harmful or foolish actions can be more dangerous than countless open enemies.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin
Tamil commentary
தன் கட்சிக்காரராய் அருகிலேயே இருந்தும், நாட்டு நலனை எண்ணாமல் தன்னலமே எண்ணும் அமைச்சர், எழுபது கோடி எதிர்கட்சிக்காரருக்குச் சமம் ஆவார்.
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