Thirukkural 872 in English

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

Tamil original

வில்லேர் உழவர் பகைகொளினும் கொள்ளற்க
சொல்லேர் உழவர் பகை.

Transliteration

Viller Uzhavar Pakaikolinum Kollarka
Soller Uzhavar Pakai

English Translation

“Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers”

Plain-English meaning

Though you may incur the hatred of warriors whose ploughs are bows, incur not that of ministers whose ploughs are words

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers

G.U. Pope Translation

Although you hate incur of those whose ploughs are bows,Make not the men whose ploughs are words your foes

Plain-English Meaning

Though you may incur the hatred of warriors whose ploughs are bows, incur not that of ministers whose ploughs are words

விலலை ஆயுதமாகக் கொண்ட வீரரோடு பகை கொண்டாலும், சொல்லை ஆயுதமாகக் கொண்ட எழுத்தாளரோடு பகை கொள்ள வேண்டா.

Chapter 88

பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல்

Let not one even as a sport The ill-natured enmity court

Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers

Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays

This world goes safely in his grace Whose heart makes friends even of foes

Alone, if two foes you oppose Make one of them your ally close

Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes

To those who know not, tell not your pain Nor your weakness to foes explain

Know how and act and defend well The pride of enemies shall fall

Cut off thorn-trees when young they are; Grown hard, they cut your hands beware

To breathe on earth they are not fit Defying foes who don't defeat