The Kural · Chapter
XX: Refraining from Vain Speaking explained
This chapter condemns vain and empty speech, emphasizing that such talk leads to public contempt, loss of honor, and the flight of all that is good.
What happens
This chapter condemns vain and empty speech, emphasizing that such talk leads to public contempt, loss of honor, and the flight of all that is good. It advises the wise to avoid profitless words and to speak only what brings benefit, even if those words are hard.
Themes in this chapter
Social Harmony and Ethics
Vain speaking disrupts social order and brings public contempt; the chapter urges restraint for the sake of communal respect and harmony.
Virtue and Righteousness
Avoiding idle talk is presented as a mark of worth and wisdom, aligning with the pursuit of righteousness.
Characters to notice
- the Kural
The text of the Kural itself is the source of the teachings on vain speaking.
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, whose aphorisms on refraining from vain speech are presented.
Key passages
“Behold the man that angereth the public by the speaking of vain words: he will be despised of all men.”
One who irritates others with pointless talk will be universally scorned.
Opening aphorism establishing the social consequence of vain speech.
“Call not him man who loveth idle words: call him rather a chaff among men.”
A person who delights in empty chatter is not truly human but worthless like chaff.
Strong metaphor dehumanizing the idle talker.
“Speak thou the speech that bringeth forth profit: but speak not ever words that are profitless and vain.”
Always speak words that yield benefit; never utter useless or empty speech.
Concluding exhortation to prioritize profitable discourse.