Against Vain Speaking
Arumpayan Aayum Arivinaar Sollaar / Perumpayan Illaadha Sol
Classical English couplet — “The wise who weigh the worth of every utterance,Speak none but words of deep significance”
What it says in plain words
“Wise people think carefully about what brings real value. They choose words that do real good, rather than words with little use.”
The classical Tamil reading
அருமையான பயன்களை ஆராயவல்ல அறிவை உடைய அறிஞர், மிக்க பயன் இல்லாத சொற்களை ஒருபோதும் சொல்லமாட்டார்
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அரும்பயன்களை ஆராய்ந்து அறியக்கூடிய ஆற்றல் படைத்தவர், பெரும்பயன் விளைவிக்காத எந்தச் சொல்லையும் பயன்படுத்த மாட்டார்
The ethical and philosophical heart
This couplet asks us to notice what our words offer. Useful words can explain a problem or help someone move forward. The aim is to choose words that truly help, not words that sound impressive. At home or work, this means thinking before we speak.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When a friend needs help, offer a useful suggestion instead of an empty comment.
- Workplace
- In a meeting, explain the problem clearly and suggest a next step.
- Family
- When discussing bills, focus on which costs the family can reduce.
- Society
- Share clear details about a local service so others can use it.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before speaking, consider what real help your words will offer.
- Integrity
- Give an honest, useful answer rather than trying to sound impressive.
- Communication
- Choose clear words that help others understand what matters.
- Leadership
- Give guidance people can use, rather than a long speech with little value.
- Governance
- Explain public decisions in words that help people understand how they will be affected.
For leaders and teams
When you lead others, make your words useful. Give clear guidance that helps people take the next step.
Something to sit with
“In a conversation today, what could you say that would truly help the other person?”