# XX: Refraining from Vain Speaking explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xx-refraining-from-vain-speaking
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters