Thirukkural · Verse 097
Thirukkural 97
by Thiruvalluvar
நயன்ஈன்று நன்றி பயக்கும் பயன்ஈன்று பண்பின் தலைப்பிரியாச் சொல்.
Nayan īndru nanri payakkum paayan īndru Panpin talaipriyāch chol.
A word that yields no profit but flows from character will bear fruit in gratitude; a word that yields profit but abandons virtue will wither. Guard the speech that serves your nature, not your gain.