Thirukkural 642 in English

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

Tamil original

ஆக்கமுங் கேடும் அதனால் வருதலால்
காத்தோம்பல் சொல்லின்கட் சோர்வு.

Transliteration

Aakkamung Ketum Adhanaal Varudhalaal
Kaaththompal Sollinkat Sorvu

English Translation

“Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue”

Plain-English meaning

Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue

G.U. Pope Translation

Since gain and loss in life on speech depend,From careless slip in speech thyself defend

Plain-English Meaning

Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein

அவரவர் சொல் திறந்தாலேயே நன்மையும், தீமையும் வருவதால், பேசும் பேச்சில் பிழை வராமல் விழிப்புடன் பேசுக.

Chapter 65

சொல்வன்மை

The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach

Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue

A speech is speech that holds ears And attracts ev'n those that are averse

Weigh thy words and speak; because No wealth or virtue words surpass

Speak out thy world so that no word Can win it and say untoward

Spotless men speak what is sweet And grasp in others what is meet

No foe defies the speaker clear Flawless, puissant, and free from fear

The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute

They overspeak who do not seek A few and flawless words to speak

Who can't express what they have learnt Are bunch of flowers not fragrant