Tirukkural-On Virtue-Pleasing Speech Or Courtesy-Kural 91

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The speech of enlightened men will be both pleasant
And kind, with no trace of perfidy.

Educated and cultured gentlemen of the 'Cardinal Newman' way of thinking, which is only a modern version of Valluvar's concept of a virtuous gentleman or 'Sanron' will be generally kind in their speech. The lips of the righteous know what is wise and acceptable, as stated in Proverbs (10:13-32). But that does not mean that they utter only pleasant falsehoods. The truth spoken by them is born of sound knowledge and genuine affection, and so will succeed in detaching truth from harshness. According to the American philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, 'the only way to speak the truth is to speak it lovingly'. The Bible has another relevant passage which says:

'Pleasant words are as an honey comb,
Sweet to the soul and healthy to the bones'

The phrase 'semporul kandaar' is an extremely felicitous one, referring to those who have made the substance of all virtue – 'aram' – their study and practice in life.