Thirukkural 714 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒளியார்முன் ஒள்ளிய ராதல் வெளியார்முன்
வான்சுதை வண்ணம் கொளல்.
Transliteration
Oliyaarmun Olliya Raadhal Veliyaarmun
Vaansudhai Vannam Kolal
Modern English
“Show your full understanding among people who can appreciate it, but explain things simply to people who need a clearer starting point.”
Modern Interpretation
Show your full understanding among people who can appreciate it, but explain things simply to people who need a clearer starting point. A science student may discuss details with researchers and use an everyday example with a younger sibling.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Show your full understanding among people who can appreciate it, but explain things simply to people who need a clearer starting point.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Before the bright be brilliant light Before the muff be mortar white
G.U. Pope Translation
Before the bright ones shine as doth the lightBefore the dull ones be as purest stucco white
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Ministers should be lights in the assembly of the enlightned, but assume the pure whiteness of mortar (ignorance) in that of fools
Tamil commentary
தன்னிலும் மேலான தனக்குச் சமமான அறிஞர் கூடியுள்ள அவையில் தன் நூல் அறிவும் சொல்வன்மையும் வெளிப்படப் பேசுக; தன் அறிவிலும் குறைவான மக்கள் கூடியுள்ள அவையில் அவருக்கு விளங்கும்படி இறங்கிப் பேசுக.
Chapter 72
More from The Knowledge of the Council Chamber
அவை அறிதல்
The pure in thought and eloquence Adapt their words to audience
Kural 712Who know the art of speech shall suit Their chosen words to time in fact
Kural 713They speak in vain at length who talk Words unversed which ears don't take
Kural 714Before the bright be brilliant light Before the muff be mortar white
Kural 715Modest restraint all good excels Which argues not before elders
Kural 716Tongue-slip before the talented wise is like slipping from righteous ways
Kural 717The learning of the learned shines Valued by flawless scholar-minds
Kural 718To address understanding ones Is to water beds of growing grains
Kural 719O ye who speak before the keen Forgetful, address not the mean
Kural 720To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters