Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/122

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PART I RIGHTEOUSNESS
 

CHAPTER 30

TRUTHFULNESS

291. What is truthfulness? It is the speaking of that which is free from even the slightest taint of evil.

292. Even falsehood is of the nature of truth if it bringeth forth unmixed good.5

293. Bear not false witness against thy neighbour : for thy own conscience will burn thee when thou hast lied.

294. Behold the man whose heart is free from falsehood: he reigneth in the hearts of all.

295. Behold the man whose heart is fixed in truthfulness: he is greater than the austere and greater than he that distributeth alms.

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