நீதியற்ற சொற்களைச் சொன்னாலும் பயனற்ற சொற்களைச் சொல்லாமல் இருப்பது சான்றோர்க்கு நல்லது.

பண்பாளர்கள், இனிமையல்லாத சொற்களைக்கூடச் சொல்லி விடலாம்; ஆனால் பயனில்லாத சொற்களைச் சொல்லாமல் இருப்பதே நல்லது

அறம் இல்லாதவற்றைச் சொன்னாலும் சொல்லலாம், சான்றோர் பயன் இல்லாத சொற்களைச் சொல்லாமல் இருத்தல் நன்மையாகும்.

Let the wise if they will, speak things without excellence; it will be well for them not to speak useless things

This Kural (Verse 197) emphasizes the importance of useful and meaningful speech. It suggests that even if the words spoken by the wise lack aesthetic or eloquent appeal (excellence), it is acceptable as long as they carry value or utility. The verse further underscores that it is more beneficial for these individuals to refrain from uttering words that bear no meaning or usefulness. The crux of this Kural is the promotion of practical wisdom and discouragement of frivolous or pointless speech. This is deeply rooted in the Tamil ethical and philosophical tradition where words are not just seen as sounds but carriers of potent energy and meaning. The wise are advised to use their speech in a way that contributes positively to the listener and society at large, rather than wasting it on meaningless chatter. In essence, this verse is a reminder that the power of speech should be used responsibly and constructively. It urges individuals, especially those who are considered wise, to ensure that their words are beneficial, even if they may lack poetic eloquence or charm.