Thirukkural 412 in English

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

Tamil original

செவுக்குண வில்லாத போழ்து சிறிது
வயிற்றுக்கும் ஈயப் படும்.

Transliteration

Sevikkuna Villaadha Pozhdhu Siridhu
Vayitrukkum Eeyap Patum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feedWith trifling dole of food supply the body's need

Plain-English Meaning

When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach

செவிக்கு உணவாகிய கேள்வி கிடைக்காதபோது, வயிற்றுக்கும் சிறிது உணவு இடப்படும்.

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?