Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural – 181

Though one may not speak or act virtuously,
if he’s known not to slander, he’s praiseworthy.

அறம் கூறான், அல்ல செயினும், ஒருவன்
புறம் கூறான் என்றல் இனிது.

Slandering a person is a worse sin that not being virtuous. Thiruvalluvar said so 2000 years ago.