Thirukkural 715 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நன்றென்ற வற்றுள்ளும் நன்றே முதுவருள்
முந்து கிளவாச் செறிவு.
Transliteration
Nandrendra Vatrullum Nandre Mudhuvarul
Mundhu Kilavaach Cherivu
Modern English
“Among people wiser than you, the best quality is the humility to listen instead of rushing to speak.”
Modern Interpretation
Among people wiser than you, the best quality is the humility to listen instead of rushing to speak. In a class discussion, let the expert finish before adding your own point.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Among people wiser than you, the best quality is the humility to listen instead of rushing to speak.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Modest restraint all good excels Which argues not before elders
G.U. Pope Translation
Midst all good things the best is modest grace,That speaks not first before the elders' face
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The modesty by which one does not rush forward and speak in (an assembly of) superiors is the best among all (one's) good qualities
Tamil commentary
தன் அறிவினுக்கும் மேலான அறிஞர் கூடியுள்ள அவையில் அவர் பேசுவதற்கு முன்பாகப் பேசாமல் அடங்கி இருப்பது, நல்லது என்று சொல்லப்பட்ட குணங்களுள் எல்லாம் நல்லது.
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