நம் பலம் இன்மையை, தாமாக அறியாத நண்பர்களிடம் சொல்ல வேண்டா; பகைவர்களிடமோ அதைக் காட்டிக் கொள்ளவோ வேண்டா.

தனது துன்பத்தைப் பற்றி அதனை அறியாமல் இருக்கும் நண்பர்களிடம் சொல்லக்கூடாது தனது பலவீனத்தைப் பகைவரிடம் வெளிப்படுத்திவிடக் கூடாது

துன்புற்றதைத் தாமாகவே அறியாத நண்பர்க்குத் துன்பத்தைச் சொல்லக் கூடாது, பகைவரிடத்தில் மென்மை மேற்கொள்ளக் கூடாது.

Relate not your suffering even to friends who are ignorant of it, nor refer to your weakness in the presence of your foes

This Thirukkural verse emphasizes the importance of discretion and resilience in the face of adversity. It advises not to share one's troubles with friends who are unaware of them, as it may burden them or they may not be able to fully comprehend or help. Similarly, it discourages showing one's weakness in front of one's enemies as it may give them an advantage. In essence, this verse encourages the practice of endurance and maintaining a strong front even in times of difficulty. It emphasizes the value of self-reliance and discretion. It also underlines the importance of understanding the potential consequences of one's actions, cautioning against revealing vulnerabilities to those who may exploit them. In a broader perspective, this verse also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, suggesting that one must be aware of their personal struggles but also be discerning about who to share these struggles with. Not everyone might be capable of understanding or responding appropriately to such disclosures. It also subtly hints at the importance of resilience and self-reliance, encouraging individuals to face and overcome their challenges independently.