Kural #195
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
சீர்மை சிறப்பொடு நீங்கும்
பயனில நீர்மை யுடையார் சொலின்
Cīrmai ciṟappoṭu nīṅkum
Payaṉila nīrmai yuṭaiyār coliṉ
English translation
Even those of good nature will lose their dignity and greatness if they speak useless words.
Listen
Explanation
Vain speech can destroy the reputation of even naturally good people. Having good character (நீர்மை) is not enough protection; one must also speak with purpose.
விளக்கம்
பயனற்ற சொற்கள் நல்ல குணமுள்ளவர்களின் பெருமையையும் கெடுத்துவிடும். பயனில்லாததை பேசினால், நற்பெயர் போய்விடும். ஆகையால், பயனுள்ளதையே பேசவேண்டும் என்பது இக்குறளின் நீதி. வீணான பேச்சு அறத்திற்கு எதிரானது.
Word meanings
- சீர்மைcīrmaidignity/excellence
- சிறப்புciṟappugreatness
- ஒடுoṭuwith
- நீங்கும்nīṅkumwill leave
- பயன்payaṉbenefit
- இலilawithout
- நீர்மைnīrmaigood nature
- உடையார்uṭaiyārthose who have
- சொலின்coliṉif they speak
Story behind this kural
In a peaceful village nestled beside a whispering river lived Elara, known for her kindness and wisdom. People sought her counsel, trusting her gentle words and thoughtful advice. One day, a traveling merchant, boasting of his riches, arrived in the village. He regaled the villagers with tales of faraway lands, exaggerating his adventures and possessions. Elara, initially intrigued, listened politely. But as the merchant's stories became increasingly outlandish and filled with empty boasts, she observed a subtle shift in the villagers' eyes. Their initial admiration faded, replaced by amusement and then, indifference. Later, as the merchant departed, Elara overheard whispers. "His words are like the wind," one villager said, "meaningless and fleeting." Another added, "Such a shame, he seemed to possess so much, yet his words diminish him." Elara nodded, understanding the subtle power of words, and the lasting impression they leave.