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Kural 641

641 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நாநலம் என்னும் நலனுடைமை அந்நலம்

யாநலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று.

Modern interpretation

Skillful speech is a special kind of wealth because it can open understanding and cooperation. For example, a young person who explains an idea clearly may gain support that knowledge alone would not bring.

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Kural 642

642 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஆக்கமுங் கேடும் அதனால் வருதலால்

காத்தோம்பல் சொல்லின்கட் சோர்வு.

Modern interpretation

Words can bring success or harm, so choose them with care. For example, a thoughtful message can solve a disagreement, while a careless one can damage a friendship or opportunity.

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Kural 643

643 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கேட்டார்ப் பிணிக்கும் தகையவாய்க் கேளாரும்

வேட்ப மொழிவதாம் சொல்.

Modern interpretation

Good speech holds the attention of those listening and makes even uninterested people want to hear. For example, a presenter who explains an issue clearly and respectfully can engage both supporters and skeptics.

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Kural 644

644 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

திறனறிந்து சொல்லுக சொல்லை அறனும்

பொருளும் அதனினூஉங்கு இல்.

Modern interpretation

Understand who is listening and speak in a way they can receive; this is both wise and useful. For example, explain a difficult idea differently to a young child, a classmate, or an expert instead of using the same words for everyone.

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Kural 645

645 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சொல்லுக சொல்லைப் பிறிதோர்சொல் அச்சொல்லை

வெல்லுஞ்சொல் இன்மை அறிந்து.

Modern interpretation

Say something only after testing whether your words are sound and can withstand a better reply. For example, before making a strong claim in a debate, check the evidence and think through the strongest objection.

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Kural 646

646 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

வேட்பத்தாஞ் சொல்லிப் பிறர்சொல் பயன்கோடல்

மாட்சியின் மாசற்றார் கோள்.

Modern interpretation

Speak so people want to keep listening, and when others speak, look for the useful meaning rather than clinging to their flaws. For example, in a group discussion, present your idea warmly and still learn from a rough but valuable suggestion.

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Kural 647

647 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சொலல்வல்லன் சோர்விலன் அஞ்சான் அவனை

இகல்வெல்லல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.

Modern interpretation

A person who speaks well, does not tire, and is not intimidated is very hard to defeat in an argument. For example, a calm advocate who knows the facts can continue defending a fair cause even when the room is hostile.

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Kural 648

648 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

விரைந்து தொழில்கேட்கும் ஞாலம் நிரந்தினிது

சொல்லுதல் வல்லார்ப் பெறின்.

Modern interpretation

When people explain ideas clearly, pleasantly, and in the right order, others are ready to act on them. For example, a well-organized set of instructions can help a volunteer team begin work without confusion.

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Kural 649

649 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பலசொல்லக் காமுறுவர் மன்றமா சற்ற

சிலசொல்லல் தேற்றா தவர்.

Modern interpretation

People who cannot express a clear idea in a few accurate words often hide that weakness by talking too much. For example, a speaker who has not decided what they mean may repeat long explanations instead of giving a direct answer.

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Kural 650

650 of 1330

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இண்ருழ்த்தும் நாறா மலரனையர் கற்றது

உணர விரித்துரையா தார்.

Modern interpretation

People who cannot explain what they have learned so that others understand are like flowers that bloom without fragrance. For example, knowing a lesson is not enough if you cannot teach its main point clearly to a classmate.

Read Kural 650 in full