Kural 891Chapter 90: Not Offending the Great

Thirukkural 891 in English

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

Tamil original

ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றல் இகழாமை போற்றுவார்
போற்றலுள் எல்லாம் தலை.

Transliteration

Aatruvaar Aatral Ikazhaamai Potruvaar
Potralul Ellaam Thalai

Modern English

“The best protection is not to underestimate the strength of people who can carry a task through.”

Modern Interpretation

The best protection is not to underestimate the strength of people who can carry a task through. For example, dismissing a capable coworker can leave you unprepared when that person takes decisive action.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

The best protection is not to underestimate the strength of people who can carry a task through.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Not to spite the mighty ones Safest safeguard to living brings

G.U. Pope Translation

The chiefest care of those who guard themselves from ill,Is not to slight the powers of those who work their mighty will

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Not to disregard the power of those who can carry out (their wishes) is more important than all the watchfulness of those who guard (themselves against evil)

Tamil commentary

எடுத்துக் கொண்ட செயல்களை இனிது முடிப்பவரின் வலிமைகளை அவமதியாமல் இருப்பது, தமக்குத் தீங்கு ஏதும் வராமல் காப்பவர் செய்யும் காவல்கள் எல்லாவற்றிலும் முதன்மையானது.

Chapter 90

More from Not Offending the Great

பெரியாரைப் பிழையாமை

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Kural 891

Not to spite the mighty ones Safest safeguard to living brings

Kural 892

To walk unmindful of the great Shall great troubles ceaseless create

Kural 893

Heed not and do, if ruin you want Offence against the mighty great

Kural 894

The weak who insult men of might Death with their own hands invite

Kural 895

Where can they go and thrive where Pursued by powerful monarch's ire?

Kural 896

One can escape in fire caught The great who offends escapes not

Kural 897

If holy mighty sages frown Stately gifts and stores who can own?

Kural 898

When hill-like sages are held small The firm on earth lose home and all

Kural 899

Before the holy sage's rage Ev'n Indra's empire meets damage

Kural 900

Even mighty aided men shall quail If the enraged holy seers will