Thirukkural 181

அறங்கூறான் அல்ல செயினும் ஒருவன் புறங்கூறான் என்றல் இனிது.

Aranguraan alla seyinum oruvan Puranguraan enral initu.

Though one fails in the righteous path, it is better still to say: "He speaks no ill of others behind their backs."