Useless Talk (By St. Thiruvalluvar In Tamil) Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

191. All those around chafe at him who speaks useless words
And incite their anger.
192. It is worse to speak futile words in the presence of all
Than to do ungracious acts against friends.
193. A braggart’s vain, diffusive speech
Declares that he is not upright.
194. One’s worthless sordid talk to the multitude
Will divert them from rectitude.
195. If men of integrity use profitless words in speech
Their fame and excellence will leave them.
196. Call him not a man but a chaff
Who speaks often fruitless, stupid words.
197. Nevertheless speaking unjust words
The wise had better avoid silly words in their talk.
198. The wise who weigh the value of their words
Will not speak profitless words.
199. The faultless wise free from folly
Will not speak worthless words even in forgetfulness.
200. Of the words you know, speak words of gain.
And speak not bootless words in vain.