44.2 Avoiding Faults

 44.2 Avoiding Faults

Question:

What to do before correcting others’ faults?

 

Answer:

Who can find fault with a king, who corrects his own faults before

identifying others’ faults?                                                                          (Couplet – 436)

தன்குற்றம் நீக்கிப் பிறர்குற்றங் காண்கிற்பின்

என்குற்ற மாகும் இறைக்கு?                                                        (குறள் – 436)

Explanation:

Valluvar says that a king should correct his own faults before pointing and correcting others’ faults. Although the kural mentions the king, it is applicable to others also. A king (leader) should be a role model for his citizens(followers). The parents are expected to be role models for their children. Teachers are expected to be role models for their students. In general, elders are considered role models for youngsters. Those who are supposed to be role models often find faults with others before realizing or correcting their own shortcomings. If they do that, others are going to ignore their advice. So, those who are role models must correct their faults before trying to correct others.