Chapter 43: The Possession of Knowledge

அறிவற்றங் காக்குங் கருவி செறுவார்க்கும்
உள்ளழிக்க லாகா அரண்.

Arivatrang Kaakkung Karuvi Seruvaarkkum
Ullazhikka Laakaa Aran

Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes

Meaning: Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy

சென்ற இடத்தால் செலவிடா தீதொரீஇ
நன்றின்பால் உய்ப்ப தறிவு.

Sendra Itaththaal Selavitaa Theedhoreei
Nandrinpaal Uyppa Tharivu

Wisdom checks the straying senses Expels evils, impels goodness

Meaning: Not to permit the mind to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom

எப்பொருள் யார்யார்வாய்க் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள்
மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.

Epporul Yaaryaarvaaik Ketpinum Apporul
Meypporul Kaanpa Tharivu

To grasp the Truth from everywhere From everyone is wisdom fair

Meaning: To discern the truth in every thing, by whomsoever spoken, is wisdom

எண்பொருள வாகச் செலச்சொல்லித் தான்பிறர்வாய்
நுண்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.

Enporula Vaakach Chelachchollith Thaanpirarvaai
Nunporul Kaanpa Tharivu

Speaking out thoughts in clear trends Wisdom subtle sense comprehends

Meaning: To speak so as that the meaning may easily enter the mind of the hearer, and to discern the subtlest thought which may lie hidden in the words of others, this is wisdom

உலகம் தழீஇய தொட்பம் மலர்தலும்
கூம்பலும் இல்ல தறிவு.

Ulakam Thazheeiya Thotpam Malardhalum
Koompalum Illa Tharivu

The wise-world the wise befriend They bloom nor gloom, equal in mind

Meaning: To secure the friendship of the great is true wisdom; it is (also) wisdom to keep (that friendship unchanged, and) not opening and closing (like the lotus flower)

எவ்வ துறைவது உலகம் உலகத்தோடு
அவ்வ துறைவ தறிவு.

Evva Thuraivadhu Ulakam Ulakaththotu
Avva Thuraiva Tharivu

As moves the world so move the wise In tune with changing times and ways

Meaning: To live as the world lives, is wisdom

அறிவுடையார் ஆவ தறிவார் அறிவிலார்
அஃதறி கல்லா தவர்.

Arivutaiyaar Aava Tharivaar Arivilaar
Aqdhari Kallaa Thavar

The wise foresee what is to come The unwise lack in that wisdom

Meaning: The wise are those who know beforehand what will happen; those who do not know this are the unwise

அஞ்சுவ தஞ்சாமை பேதைமை அஞ்சுவது
அஞ்சல் அறிவார் தொழில்.

Anjuva Thanjaamai Pedhaimai Anjuvadhu
Anjal Arivaar Thozhil

Fear the frightful and act wisely Not to fear the frightful's folly

Meaning: Not to fear what ought to be feared, is folly; it is the work of the wise to fear what should be feared

எதிரதாக் காக்கும் அறிவினார்க் கில்லை
அதிர வருவதோர் நோய்.

Edhiradhaak Kaakkum Arivinaark Killai
Adhira Varuvadhor Noi

No frightful evil shocks the wise Who guard themselves against surprise

Meaning: No terrifying calamity will happen to the wise, who (foresee) and guard against coming evils

அறிவுடையார் எல்லா முடையார் அறிவிலார்
என்னுடைய ரேனும் இலர்.

Arivutaiyaar Ellaa Mutaiyaar Arivilaar
Ennutaiya Renum Ilar

Who have wisdom they are all full Whatev'r they own, misfits are nil

Meaning: Those who possess wisdom, possess every thing; those who have not wisdom, whatever they may possess, have nothing