Thirukkural 988 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இன்மை ஒருவற்கு இளிவன்று சால்பென்னும்
திண்மை உண் டாகப் பெறின்.
Transliteration
Inmai Oruvarku Ilivandru Saalpennum
Thinmai Un Taakap Perin
Modern English
“Poverty is not disgraceful when a person possesses strong character and self-respect.”
Modern Interpretation
Poverty is not disgraceful when a person possesses strong character and self-respect. For example, a student from a struggling family may lack expensive things yet be generous, honest, and dependable.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Poverty is not disgraceful when a person possesses strong character and self-respect.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
No shame there is in poverty To one strong in good quality
G.U. Pope Translation
To soul with perfect virtue's strength endued,Brings no disgrace the lack of every earthly good
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Poverty is no disgrace to one who abounds in good qualities
Tamil commentary
சான்றாண்மை எனப்படும் மன ஆற்றல் மட்டும் ஒருவனிடம் இருந்து விடுமானால், வறுமை அவனுக்கு இழிவு ஆகாது.
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