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Kural 439

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viyavaṟka veññāṉṟun taṉṉai nayavaṟka / naṉṟi payavā viṉai

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“Never indulge in self-complaisant mood, / Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“Exult not at anything at any time: embark not on enterprises that would bring thee no good.”

Modern readingAI draft

Never exalt yourself in admiration; never desire an action that will yield no good.

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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

எஞ்ஞான்றும் தன்னை வியவற்க= தான் இறப்ப உயர்ந்த ஞான்றும் மதத்தால் தன்னை நன்கு மதியாது ஒழிக; நன்றி பயவா வினை நயவற்க= தனக்கு நன்மை பயவா வினைகளை மானத்தால் விரும்பாது ஒழிக.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Never let oneself become intoxicated with self-admiration at any time; and never desire or pursue an action that yields no lasting good.