Chapter 7: The Wealth of Children

பெறுமவற்றுள் யாமறிவது இல்லை அறிவறிந்த
மக்கட்பேறு அல்ல பிற.

Perumavatrul Yaamarivadhu Illai Arivarindha
Makkatperu Alla Pira

The world no higher bliss bestows Than children virtuous and wise

Meaning: Among all the benefits that may be acquired, we know no greater benefit than the acquisition of intelligent children

எழுபிறப்பும் தீயவை தீண்டா பழிபிறங்காப்
பண்புடை மக்கட் பெறின்.

Ezhupirappum Theeyavai Theentaa Pazhipirangaap
Panputai Makkat Perin

No evil comes and no blemish; Noble sons bring all we wish

Meaning: The evils of the seven births shall not touch those who abtain children of a good disposition, free from vice

தம்பொருள் என்பதம் மக்கள் அவர்பொருள்
தம்தம் வினையான் வரும்.

Thamporul Enpadham Makkal Avarporul
Thamdham Vinaiyaan Varum

Children are one's wealth indeed Their wealth is measured by their deed

Meaning: Men will call their sons their wealth, because it flows to them through the deeds which they (sons) perform on their behalf

அமிழ்தினும் ஆற்ற இனிதேதம் மக்கள்
சிறுகை அளாவிய கூழ்.

Amizhdhinum Aatra Inidhedham Makkal
Sirukai Alaaviya Koozh

The food is more than nectar sweet In which one's children hands insert

Meaning: The rice in which the little hand of their children has dabbled will be far sweeter (to the parent) than ambrosia

மக்கள்மெய் தீண்டல் உடற்கின்பம் மற்றுஅவர்
சொற்கேட்டல் இன்பம் செவிக்கு.

Makkalmey Theental Utarkinpam Matru
Avar Sorkettal Inpam Sevikku

Children's touch delights the body Sweet to ears are their words lovely

Meaning: The touch of children gives pleasure to the body, and the hearing of their words, pleasure to the ear

குழல்இனிது யாழ்இனிது என்பதம் மக்கள்
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர்.

Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham
Makkal Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar

The flute and lute are sweet they say Deaf to baby's babble's lay!

Meaning: "The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children

தந்தை மகற்காற்றும் நன்றி அவையத்து
முந்தி இருப்பச் செயல்.

Thandhai Makarkaatrum Nandri Avaiyaththu
Mundhi Iruppach Cheyal

A father's duty to his son is To seat him in front of the wise

Meaning: The benefit which a father should confer on his son is to give him precedence in the assembly of the learned

தம்மின்தம் மக்கள் அறிவுடைமை மாநிலத்து
மன்னுயிர்க் கெல்லாம் இனிது.

Thammindham Makkal Arivutaimai Maanilaththu
Mannuyirk Kellaam Inidhu

With joy the hearts of parents swell To see their children themselves excel

Meaning: That their children should possess knowledge is more pleasing to all men of this great earth than to themselves

ஈன்ற பொழுதின் பெரிதுவக்கும் தன்மகனைச்
சான்றோன் எனக்கேட்ட தாய்.

Eendra Pozhudhin Peridhuvakkum Thanmakanaich
Chaandron Enakketta Thaai

The mother, hearing her son's merit Delights more than when she begot

Meaning: The mother who hears her son called "a wise man" will rejoice more than she did at his birth

மகன்தந்தைக்கு ஆற்றும் உதவி இவன்தந்தை
என்நோற்றான் கொல் எனும் சொல்.

Makandhandhaikku Aatrum Udhavi Ivandhandhai
Ennotraan Kol Enum Sol

The son to sire this word is debt \"What penance such a son begot!\"

Meaning: (So to act) that it may be said "by what great penance did his father beget him," is the benefit which a son should render to his father