Thirukkural 411 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

செல்வத்துட் செல்வஞ் செவிச்செல்வம் அச்செல்வம்
செல்வத்து ளெல்லாந் தலை.

Transliteration

Selvaththut Selvanj Chevichchelvam Achchelvam
Selvaththu Lellaan Thalai

English Translation

“Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth”

Plain-English meaning

Wealth (gained) by the ear is wealth of wealth; that wealth is the chief of all wealth

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth

G.U. Pope Translation

Wealth of wealth is wealth acquired be ear attent;Wealth mid all wealth supremely excellent

Plain-English Meaning

Wealth (gained) by the ear is wealth of wealth; that wealth is the chief of all wealth

செவியால் கேட்டுப் பெறும் செல்வமே சிறந்த செல்வம்; இது பிற செல்வங்கள் எல்லாவற்றிலும் முதன்மையானது.

Chapter 42

கேள்வி

Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth

Some food for the stomach is brought When the ear gets no food for thought

Whose ears get lots of wisdom-food Equal gods on oblations fed

Though not learned, hear and heed That serves a staff and stay in need

Virtuous men's wisdom is found A strong staff on slippery ground

Lend ear to good words however few That much will highly exalt you

Who listen well and learn sharply Not ev'n by slip speak foolishly

That ear though hearing is dulled Which is not by wisdom drilled

A modest mouth is hard for those Who care little to counsels wise

Who taste by mouth and not by ear What if they fare ill or well here?