Kural #403
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
கல்லா தவரும் நனிநல்லர்
கற்றார்முன் சொல்லா திருக்கப் பெறின்
Kallā tavarum naṉinallar
Kaṟṟārmuṉ sollā tirukkap peṟiṉ
English translation
Even the unlearned are quite good if they can remain silent before the learned.
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Explanation
This kural teaches humility. An uneducated person who knows their limitation and stays silent among scholars shows wisdom. Silence in the presence of superior knowledge is itself a virtue.
விளக்கம்
கல்லாதவர் கற்றவர் முன் பேசாமல் இருந்தால் நல்லது. கல்லாமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது அடக்கம். கற்றறிந்தோர் முன் அடக்கமாய் இருப்பது அறிவீனம் இல்லை, அதுவும் ஒரு நல்ல குணம்.
Word meanings
- கல்லாதவரும்kallātavarumeven the unlearned
- நனிnaṉivery/quite
- நல்லர்nallarare good
- கற்றார்kaṟṟārthe learned
- முன்muṉbefore
- சொல்லாதுsollātunot speaking
- இருக்கirukkato remain
- பெறின்peṟiṉif they can
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two woodcutters, Arun and Bala. Arun, though strong, knew little beyond chopping trees. Bala, however, had spent his youth studying with the village sage. One day, the King visited the village, seeking wise counsel. Villagers gathered, eager to share their thoughts. Arun, brimming with opinions, loudly voiced his ideas on matters of governance, which were met with puzzled silence. Bala, standing beside him, listened respectfully to the King and the other learned advisors. He understood the complex issues discussed but offered no comment. He simply nodded, absorbing the wisdom shared. Later, the King, impressed by Bala’s thoughtful demeanor, sought his private opinion. Bala, speaking only when asked, offered insightful observations. The King, recognizing true understanding, honored Bala greatly. Arun, meanwhile, continued to chop wood, his loud voice now hushed by his own realization.