Kural #719
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Tamil text
புல்லவையுள் பொச்சாந்தும் சொல்லற்க
நல்லவையுள் நன்குசெலச் சொல்லு வார்
Pullavaiyuḷ poccāntum collaṟka
Nallavaiuḷ naṉkucelac collu vār
English translation
Those who speak well before good assemblies should never, even forgetfully, speak in low assemblies.
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Explanation
Those who excel in noble assemblies (நல்லவையுள் நன்கு செலச் சொல்லுவார்) should never (பொச்சாந்தும் - even accidentally) speak before inferior ones (புல்லவையுள்). Guard your words for worthy audiences.
விளக்கம்
நல்ல சபையில் திறம்பட பேசுபவர், தரம் குறைந்த சபையில் மறந்தும் பேசக்கூடாது. அவையறிதல் அதிகாரத்தின்படி, எந்த சபையில் எப்படி பேச வேண்டும் என அறிந்து பேச வேண்டும். தகுதிக்கு ஏற்ப பேசினால் சிறப்பு உண்டாகும்.
Word meanings
- புல்pullow/base
- அவைavaiassembly
- உள்uḷin
- பொச்சாந்தும்poccāntumeven forgetfully
- சொல்லற்கcollaṟkado not speak
- நல்லnallagood
- நன்குnaṉkuwell
- செலcelapenetratingly
- சொல்லுவார்colluvārthose who speak
Story behind this kural
The wise old owl, Professor Hoot, was renowned throughout the forest for his insightful lectures. Squirrels, rabbits, and even the grumpy badger, all flocked to hear him speak on matters of the world. His words were always carefully chosen, delivered with grace, and received with respect. One day, a group of chattering crows, known for their silly games and frivolous gossip, invited Professor Hoot to address them. He politely declined, knowing his profound words would be lost on their shallow minds. They persisted, flattering him with promises of lavish praise. Professor Hoot, tempted by their flattery, eventually agreed. But as he began to speak of complex truths, the crows grew restless, squawking and interrupting. His carefully crafted sentences dissolved into confusion. The badger, observing from afar, simply shook his head and went back to his nap. Professor Hoot, later, returned to his usual audience, feeling quite ashamed.