Vaimai enappaduvadhu.

 Truth is speach that is free from all evil. The test of truth for proper conduct is its essential harmlessness.

Kural 291 from Tirukkural belongs to the chapter on "Avoiding Envy" (பொருளாட்சி - வெறுக்காமை) in the section on Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்).

Kural 291 (In Tamil)

"அறஞ்சாரா அல்லல் உறுதிநாணுத் தீய

மறஞ்சாரா மாணாப் பழி."

அறம் சாரா – That which does not align with virtue

அல்லல் – Suffering (here, it refers to moral or mental affliction)

உறுதி – Firm or definite

நாணு – Shame or sense of honor

தீய – Evil or bad

மறம் சாரா – That which does not belong to courage

மாணாப் பழி – Disgrace or dishonor

"The suffering that arises from deviating from virtue is real suffering; any other shame that does not contradict courage is mere dishonor."

Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that true suffering is not just physical pain or material loss but rather the pain that comes from straying away from righteousness (Dharma). A person may face dishonor or shame in the world, but as long as it does not arise from an act of cowardice or evil, it is insignificant. What truly matters is one's adherence to virtue and moral integrity.

Moral Insight

1. Virtue is the True Standard: External dishonor or loss means nothing if one is morally upright.

2. Shame Comes from Sin, Not from Society: If a person acts against Dharma, that is real disgrace, not the criticism of others.

3. Honor and Courage Go Hand in Hand: Real courage is in standing by righteousness, even when society ridicules or opposes it.

This Kural teaches that a righteous life is beyond worldly dishonor—one should fear straying from virtue rather than fearing public opinion.