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Kural #198

Virtue· அறம்Against Vain Speech· பயனில சொல்லாமை

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Tamil text

அரும்பயன் ஆய்ந்த சொல்லார்சொல் நான்கும்

திருந்திய தேஎத்து அவர்

Arumpayaṉ āynta collārcol nāṉkum

Tiruntiya tēettu uḷavākum avar

English translation

Those who speak only words of rare worth will be found in all four quarters of the refined world.

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Explanation

Those who speak only valuable, well-considered words will be welcomed everywhere - in all directions (நான்கும்). Quality speech opens doors across the civilized world.

விளக்கம்

பயனற்ற சொற்களைத் தவிர்க்கும் அதிகாரத்தில் இது உள்ளது. அருமையான, பயனுள்ள சொற்களை மட்டும் பேசுபவர்கள், பண்புள்ள உலகத்தின் எல்லா திசைகளிலும் மதிக்கப்படுவார்கள். நல்ல சொற்கள் எங்கும் வரவேற்பைப் பெற்றுத் தரும். வீணான பேச்சுகளை விட நன்மை தரும் பேச்சே சிறப்பு.

Word meanings

  • அரும்arumrare/precious
  • பயன்payaṉbenefit
  • ஆய்ந்தāyntaexamined/chosen
  • சொல்லார்collārthose who speak
  • சொல்colwords
  • நான்கும்nāṉkumall four (directions)
  • திருந்தியtiruntiyarefined/civilized
  • தேம்tēmcountry/world
  • உளவாகும்uḷavākumwill be found
  • அவர்avarthey

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two merchants, Elara and Rohan. Both sought to trade their wares in the bustling city. Elara, known for her boisterous chatter and empty promises, filled the marketplace with loud pronouncements of her goods. Rohan, however, spoke sparingly, his words measured, and each one describing the true worth of his items. Elara’s stall remained crowded with curious onlookers who left disappointed. Her vibrant descriptions couldn't hide the poor quality of her goods. Rohan’s stall, though quieter, attracted discerning customers. They examined his wares, listened to his precise explanations, and made their purchases. As the sun began to set, Elara's voice grew hoarse, her wares unsold. Rohan, his bags heavy with coin, prepared to return home. Passing Elara, he offered a quiet, "Tomorrow is another day." Elara could only sigh, realizing the true cost of her careless words. Rohan, with a nod, continued on his way, his reputation preceding him.