Thirukkural 672 in English

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

Tamil original

தூங்குக தூங்கிச் செயற்பால தூங்கற்க
தூங்காது செய்யும் வினை.

Transliteration

Thoonguka Thoongich Cheyarpaala Thoongarka
Thoongaadhu Seyyum Vinai

English Translation

“Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display”

Plain-English meaning

Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display

G.U. Pope Translation

Slumber when sleepy work's in hand beware Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care

Plain-English Meaning

Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over

காலந்தாழ்த்திச் செய்யவேண்டிய செயல்கள் என்றால் காலந்தாழ்த்துக; காலம் தாழத்தாது செய்ய வேண்டிய செயல்கள் என்றால் காலம் தாழ்த்த வேண்டா.

Chapter 68

வினை செயல்வகை

When counsel takes a resolve strong Weak delay of action is wrong

Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display

It's best to act when feasible If not see what is possible

Work or foe left unfinished Flare up like fire unextinguished

Money and means, time, place and deed Decide these five and then proceed

Weigh well the end, hindrance, profit And then pursue a fitting act

Know first the secret from experts That is the way of fruitful acts

Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better

Than doing good to friends it is More urgent to befriend the foes

Small statesmen fearing people's fear Submit to foes superior