మన బంగారము మంచిదయితే, కంసాలి యేమి చెయ్యగలడు?

mana bangaramu manchidayite, kamsali yemi cheyyagaladu?

Translation

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

Related Phrases

If your words are good, the world will be good to you.

This expression emphasizes that if you speak politely and treat others with respect, the people around you will respond with kindness and support. It is used to teach that one's social environment is often a reflection of their own behavior and speech.

If your heart is pure, even something bitter becomes good.

This proverb suggests that one's perception and outcome depend on their mindset or intentions. If your thoughts and attitude (chittam) are good, even unpleasant situations or bitter things (chedu) will result in a positive experience or be perceived as beneficial. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having a positive outlook and pure intentions.

Among a hundred crows, what could a single cuckoo do ? What can one good man do among so many bad men ?

This proverb highlights that a single good or wise person is often helpless and unable to influence a large group of wicked or ignorant people. It is used to describe situations where a lone voice of reason is drowned out by a majority of dissenters or wrongdoers.

If your mouth is good, the whole village will be good to you.

This proverb emphasizes that how you speak determines how others treat you. If you speak politely and kindly (good mouth), people around you (the village) will respond with the same kindness and respect. It is used to teach the importance of soft skills and polite communication in social life.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.

This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.

If one's own character is good, one can live even in a neighborhood of ill-repute.

This proverb emphasizes that personal integrity and character are internal traits that do not depend on one's surroundings. If a person is truly virtuous, they will remain untainted and honorable regardless of the environment or the company they are forced to keep. It is used to suggest that strong moral fiber protects an individual from external negative influences.

If the seed is good, the fruit will also be good

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of the origin or foundation determines the quality of the outcome. It is used to describe how good upbringing leads to good character, or how proper planning and high-quality inputs lead to successful results.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will steal a little.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their professional traits or vices that they cannot overlook them, even for their closest relatives. It is often used to describe inherent professional dishonesty or a person's inability to change their nature regardless of the relationship.

If the seed is good, it will be good for the farmer.

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of the foundation or source determines the quality of the outcome. In life, it suggests that if one's intentions or initial efforts are righteous and strong, the final results will be beneficial and rewarding.

If the fence itself grazes the crop, what can the guard do?

This proverb describes a situation where the person or entity responsible for protection becomes the source of harm. It is used when leaders, authorities, or protectors betray their trust, leaving others helpless because there is no higher authority to appeal to.