பிறர்க்கு நன்மை தரும் இனிய சொற்களை மனத்தால் எண்ணிச் சொன்னால், அவனுள்ளும், நாட்டிலும் அறம் வளரும்; பாவங்கள் குறையும்.

தீய செயல்களை அகற்றி அறநெறி தழைக்கச் செய்ய வேண்டுமானால், இனிய சொற்களைப் பயன்படுத்தி நல்வழி எதுவெனக் காட்ட வேண்டும்

பிறர்க்கு நன்மையானவற்றை நாடி இனிமை உடையச் சொற்களைச் சொல்லின், பாவங்கள் தேய்ந்து குறைய அறம் வளர்ந்து பெருகும்.

If a man, while seeking to speak usefully, speaks also sweetly, his sins will diminish and his virtue increase

Kural 96 emphasizes the importance and power of positive and kind communication. It suggests that if a person consciously chooses to speak words that are beneficial and pleasant to others, two significant outcomes will occur: first, their sins or negative actions will decrease, and second, their virtue or righteousness will flourish. This verse essentially stresses the transformative power of speech. It implies that speech, when used wisely and kindly, can serve as a tool for moral and spiritual growth. By discarding harmful, negative, or unnecessary words and focusing on uttering words that bring goodness and joy to others, one can indeed cultivate virtue within oneself and in their surroundings. The wisdom of this verse is timeless. In today's world, where harsh words and criticism are often the norm, the verse encourages us to choose words that are not only useful but also sweet. It reminds us that our words can have a profound effect on others and ourselves. Thus, it promotes mindfulness in our communication, urging us to use our words as seeds of virtue and goodness. In summary, Thirukkural 96 advocates for a conscious and mindful approach to communication, where one's words are chosen not only for their usefulness but also for their ability to bring joy and positivity. It suggests that such an approach can lead to personal growth, diminishing one's negative actions and enhancing their virtue.