Thirukkural 874 in English

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

Tamil original

பகைநட்பாக் கொண்டொழுகும் பண்புடை யாளன்
தகைமைக்கண் தங்கிற்று உலகு.

Transliteration

Pakainatpaak Kontozhukum Panputai Yaalan
Thakaimaikkan Thangitru Ulaku

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

The world secure on his dexterity depends,Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends

Plain-English Meaning

Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends

பகையையும் நட்பாக மாற்றி, அவருடன் இணைந்து வாழும் குணம் உடைய ஆட்சியாளரின் பெருமைக்குள் இவ்வுலகம் அடங்கும்.

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