Tirukkural Chapter 19 - Couplets 4,5,6

திருக்குறள் -THIRUKKURAL அதிகாரம் 19 - புறங்கூறாமை CHAPTER 19 - BACKBITE *** 19/04. கண்நின்று கண்அறச் சொல்லினும் சொல்லற்க முன்இன்று பின்நோக்காச் சொல். 19/04. Kannindru kannarrach chollinum chollarrkka Munindru pinnokkaach chol. 19/04. Even one speaks ill of other man before his eyes, Let one not talk bad of that man when he is absent. *** Disciple: Can one talk ill of a person in front of him? Guru: It is better one talks ill of a man Just in front of his eyes than Speak badly about that man Who is not available then. If one talks ill in front of his eyes It'll give the victim a better chance To counter the charges brought, Which are factually correct or not. On the other hand If he talks behind Then the troubles come By falling into sinful blame. *** 19/05, அறம்சொல்லும் நெஞ்சத்தான் அன்மை புறம்சொல்லும் புன்மையால் காணப் படும். 19/05. Arramchollum nenchaththaan anmai purramchollum Punmaiyaal kaanap padum. 19/05. When a person talks of virtue, he doesn't say it from his heart As this can be known from his habit of backbiting. *** Disciple: How does one know whether a person Talks from his lips or from his heart? Guru: If one is a habitual backbiter If he talks of virtue, it's better, His words aren't given Much of importance then. He knows not what he talks As words come from his lips And not from his heart, That speaks with due respect. As face is the index of one's mind One can very easily find From the backbiter's face If he talks from his heart or lips. *** 19/06. பிறன்பழி கூறுவான் தன்பழி யுள்ளும் திறன்தெரிந்து கூறப் படும். 19/06. Pirranpazhi koorruvaan thanpazhi ullum Thirantherindhu koorrap padum. 19/06. If a man reveals openly other person's faults That man will be blamed by someone for his worst faults. *** Disciple: 'It is like, if a cat chases a rat A dog will chase that cat.' Guru: 'To err is human. To forgive is divine.' There's no point for us In counting mistakes. One says, 'A thorn pricked me.' That thorn didn't come, But he stepped over it, That pricked his feet. A tendency always there is To shift the blame on others, Even though one is at fault That he won't accept. One can make suggestions Not force on others his ideas, Or pick up others' faults When he's not free from faults. ***