Thirukkural 89 in English

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

Tamil original

உடைமையுள் இன்மை விருந்தோம்பல் ஓம்பா
மடமை மடவார்கண் உண்டு.

Transliteration

Utaimaiyul Inmai Virundhompal Ompaa
Matamai Matavaarkan Untu

English Translation

“The man of wealth is poor indeed Whose folly fails the guest to feed”

Plain-English meaning

That stupidity which excercises no hospitality is poverty in the midst of wealth It is the property of the stupid

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The man of wealth is poor indeed Whose folly fails the guest to feed

G.U. Pope Translation

To turn from guests is penury, though worldly goods abound;'Tis senseless folly, only with the senseless found

Plain-English Meaning

That stupidity which excercises no hospitality is poverty in the midst of wealth It is the property of the stupid

செல்வம் இருந்தும் வறுமையாய் வாழ்வது விருந்தினரைப் பேணாமல் வாழும் மடமையே. இது மூடரிடம் மட்டுமே இருக்கும்.

Chapter 9

விருந்தோம்பல்

Men set up home, toil and earn To tend the guests and do good turn

To keep out guests cannot be good Albeit you eat nector-like food

Who tends his guests day in and out His life in want never wears out

The goddess of wealth will gladly rest Where smiles welcome the worthy guest

Should his field be sown who first Feeds the guests and eats the rest?

Who tends a guest and looks for next Is a welcome guest in heaven's feast

Worth of the guest of quality Is worth of hospitality

Who loathe guest-service one day cry: \"We toil and store; but life is dry\"

The man of wealth is poor indeed Whose folly fails the guest to feed

Anicham smelt withers: like that A wry-faced look withers the guest