ஆட்சியாளருக்குப் பயன்தரும் செய்திகளை அவர் கேட்காத போதும் சொல்லுக; பயன் தராத செய்திகளை எப்போதும் சொல்லாது விடுக.

விரும்பிக் கேட்டாலும் கூட, பயனுள்ளவற்றை மட்டுமே சொல்லிப் பயனற்றவைகளைச் சொல்லாமல் விட்டுவிட வேண்டும்

அரசர் விரும்புகின்றவற்றை மட்டும் சொல்லிப் பயனில்லாதவற்றை அவரே கேட்ட போதிலும் சொல்லாமல் விட வேண்டும்.

Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so)

This Thiru Kural verse 697 emphasizes the importance of honesty and discretion in an advisory role, particularly for those who serve in the capacity of ministers or counselors to leaders. The verse suggests that advisors should always deliver advice that is beneficial and agreeable, regardless of whether the leader has asked for it or not. However, it also strongly advises against recommending actions or strategies that are futile or unproductive, even if they are specifically requested by the leader. This verse highlights the essential role of advisors in steering the course of leadership. It underscores their responsibility to ensure the leader's actions are advantageous and meaningful, rather than simply pleasing or agreeable. The verse also reflects the importance of ethical integrity in advisory roles, suggesting that advisors should refuse to endorse or propagate unproductive strategies, even under pressure from the leader. In essence, this verse is a reminder that the role of an advisor is not just to echo the leader's preferences, but to provide honest, beneficial advice and to discourage actions that are counterproductive. This is a crucial message not only for political or royal advisors, but for anyone in a position of influence or leadership. It emphasizes the value of ethical, beneficial advice over misleading or harmful counsel.