Thirukkural 697 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வேட்பன சொல்லி வினையில எஞ்ஞான்றும்
கேட்பினும் சொல்லா விடல்.
Transliteration
Vetpana Solli Vinaiyila Egngnaandrum
Ketpinum Sollaa Vital
Modern English
“Offer useful advice, even when it is not requested, but do not recommend something merely because it is requested if it has no value.”
Modern Interpretation
Offer useful advice, even when it is not requested, but do not recommend something merely because it is requested if it has no value. If a friend asks you to join a pointless argument, suggest a better use of your time.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Offer useful advice, even when it is not requested, but do not recommend something merely because it is requested if it has no value.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile
G.U. Pope Translation
Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word;Not though by monarch's ears with pleasure heard
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so)
Tamil commentary
ஆட்சியாளருக்குப் பயன்தரும் செய்திகளை அவர் கேட்காத போதும் சொல்லுக; பயன் தராத செய்திகளை எப்போதும் சொல்லாது விடுக.
Chapter 70
More from Conduct in the Presence of the King
மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்
Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far
Kural 692Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour
Kural 693Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress
Kural 694Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage
Kural 695Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out
Kural 696Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well
Kural 697Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile
Kural 698As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might
Kural 699The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace
Kural 700Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold