Thirukkural 894 in English

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

Tamil original

கூற்றத்தைக் கையால் விளித்தற்றால் ஆற்றுவார்க்கு
ஆற்றாதார் இன்னா செயல்.

Transliteration

Kootraththaik Kaiyaal Viliththatraal Aatruvaarkku
Aatraadhaar Innaa Seyal

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them)

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

When powerless man 'gainst men of power will evil deeds essay,Tis beck'ning with the hand for Death to seize them for its prey

Plain-English Meaning

The weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them)

அறிவு, செல்வம், படை ஆகிய மூன்று வகை ஆற்றலும் உடையவர்க்கு, அவை இல்லாதவர் முதலில் தீமை செய்வது தாமே எமனைக் கைநீட்டி அழைப்பதைப் போன்றது.

Chapter 90

பெரியாரைப் பிழையாமை

Not to spite the mighty ones Safest safeguard to living brings

To walk unmindful of the great Shall great troubles ceaseless create

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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