Thirukkural 1005 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கொடுப்பதூஉம் துய்ப்பதூஉம் இல்லார்க்கு அடுக்கிய
கோடியுண் டாயினும் இல்.
Transliteration
Kotuppadhooum Thuyppadhooum Illaarkku Atukkiya
Kotiyun Taayinum Il
Modern English
“If someone neither shares their wealth nor allows themselves to enjoy it, even millions are as useless as having nothing.”
Modern Interpretation
If someone neither shares their wealth nor allows themselves to enjoy it, even millions are as useless as having nothing. For example, money locked away forever cannot feed a family, support a cause, or bring its owner any honest joy.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
If someone neither shares their wealth nor allows themselves to enjoy it, even millions are as useless as having nothing.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
What is the good of crores they hoard To give and enjoy whose heart is hard
G.U. Pope Translation
Amid accumulated millions they are poor,Who nothing give and nought enjoy of all they store
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who neither give (to others) nor enjoy (their property) are (truly) destitute, though possessing immense riches
Tamil commentary
தேவைப்படுவோர்க்குக் கொடுப்பதும், தேவை கண்டு தாம் அனுபவிப்பதும் இல்லாதவர்க்குப்பல மடங்காக அடுக்கிய கோடிப் பொருள் இருந்தாலும் இல்லாததே ஆகும்.
Chapter 101
More from Wealth without Benefaction
நன்றியில் செல்வம்
Dead is he with wealth in pile Unenjoyed, it is futile
Kural 1002The niggard miser thinks wealth is all He hoards, gives not is born devil
Kural 1003A burden he is to earth indeed Who hoards without a worthy deed
Kural 1004What legacy can he leave behind Who is for approach too unkind
Kural 1005What is the good of crores they hoard To give and enjoy whose heart is hard
Kural 1006Great wealth unused for oneself nor To worthy men is but a slur
Kural 1007Who loaths to help have-nots, his gold Is like a spinster-belle grown old
Kural 1008The idle wealth of unsought men Is poison-fruit-tree amidst a town
Kural 1009Others usurp the shining gold In loveless, stingy, vicious hold
Kural 1010The brief want of the rich benign Is like rainclouds growing thin