Thirukkural 640 in English

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

Tamil original

முறைப்படச் சூழ்ந்தும் முடிவிலவே செய்வர்
திறப்பாடு இலாஅ தவர்.

Transliteration

Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar
Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

For gain of end desired just counsel nought availsTo minister, when tact in execution fails

Plain-English Meaning

Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright

செயல்திறம் இல்லாத அமைச்சர், செய்ய வேண்டியவற்றை முறையாக எண்ணி வைத்திருந்தாலும், அவற்றைச் செய்யும்போது அரைகுறையாகவே செய்வார்.

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