Thirukkural 679 in English

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

Tamil original

நட்டார்க்கு நல்ல செயலின் விரைந்ததே
ஒட்டாரை ஒட்டிக் கொளல்.

Transliteration

Nattaarkku Nalla Seyalin Viraindhadhe
Ottaarai Ottik Kolal

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do, Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you

Plain-English Meaning

One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends

ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போது நண்பர்களுக்கு நல்லது செய்வதைக் காட்டிலும் தன் பகைவர்களோடு நட்புக் கொள்வது விரைந்து செய்யப்படவேண்டியது.

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