Truthfulness By St. Thiruvalluvar Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

291. What is called truth? That is
speaking harmless words to others.
292. Even lies liken words of truth;
if they bestow faultless benefits.
293. Don’t speak ill of the good things you know.
Or else guilty conscience will scald you.
294. If one leads a life of honour,
One will dwell in the minds of great people.
295. He who speaks the truth from his heart
excels those who are charitable and do penance.
296. The great renown is not telling lies.
It brings all virtues without strain.
297. If not being deceit becomes your real habit,
life will be good even if you spare not for charity.
298. Water makes the body clean.
But speaking truth gives the mind purity.
299. All lamps are not lamps to the wise.
The lamp of truth is their real lamp.
300. Of all the good things we have seen
nothing betters truthfulness.