Thirukkural 987 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இன்னாசெய் தார்க்கும் இனியவே செய்யாக்கால்
என்ன பயத்ததோ சால்பு.
Transliteration
Innaasey Thaarkkum Iniyave Seyyaakkaal
Enna Payaththadho Saalpu
Modern English
“Goodness has little value if it cannot respond kindly even to someone who has caused pain.”
Modern Interpretation
Goodness has little value if it cannot respond kindly even to someone who has caused pain. For example, after a rude classmate asks for help, you can assist without excusing the rudeness or allowing further mistreatment.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Goodness has little value if it cannot respond kindly even to someone who has caused pain.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Of perfection what is the gain If it returns not joy for pain?
G.U. Pope Translation
What fruit doth your perfection yield you, say!Unless to men who work you ill good repay
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Of what avail is perfect goodness if it cannot do pleasing things even to those who have pained (it) ?
Tamil commentary
தமக்குத் தீமை செய்தவர்க்கும் நன்மையே செய்யா விட்டால் சான்றான்மையினால் பயன்தான் என்ன?
Chapter 99
More from Perfectness
சான்றாண்மை
All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime
Kural 982Good in the great is character Than that there is nothing better
Kural 983Love, truth, regard, modesty, grace These five are virtue's resting place
Kural 984Not to kill is penance pure Not to slander virtue sure
Kural 985Humility is valour's strength A force that averts foes at length
Kural 986To bear repulse e'en from the mean Is the touch-stone of worthy men
Kural 987Of perfection what is the gain If it returns not joy for pain?
Kural 988No shame there is in poverty To one strong in good quality
Kural 989Aeons may change but not the seer Who is a sea of virtue pure
Kural 990The world will not more bear its weight If from high virtue fall the great