Thirukkural 654 in English

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

Tamil original

இடுக்கண் படினும் இளிவந்த செய்யார்
நடுக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.

Transliteration

Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar
Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar

English Translation

“Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device”

Plain-English meaning

Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers)

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device

G.U. Pope Translation

Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do,Whose eyes the ever-during vision view

Plain-English Meaning

Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers)

தடுமாற்றம் இல்லாது தெளிந்த அறிவினை உடையவர் தாம் துன்பப்பட நேர்ந்தாலும் இழிவான செயல்களைச் செய்யமாட்டார்.

Chapter 66

வினைத் தூய்மை

Friendship brings gain; but action pure Does every good thing we desire

Eschew always acts that do not Bring good nor glory on their part

Those in the world desire for fame Should shun the deed that dims their name

Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device

Do not wrong act and grieve, \"Alas\" If done, do not repeat it twice

Though she who begot thee hungers Shun acts denounced by ancient seers

Pinching poverty of the wise Is more than wealth hoarded by Vice

Those who dare a forbidden deed Suffer troubles though they succeed

Gains from weeping, weeping go Though lost, from good deeds blessings flow

The wealth gathered in guilty ways Is water poured in wet clay vase