Tirukural/Chapter 42

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

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

412 When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feed With trifling dole of food supply the body's need.

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

413 Who feed their ear with learned teachings rare, Are like the happy gods oblations rich who share.

Those who in this world enjoy instruction which is the food of the ear, are equal to the Gods, who enjoy the food of the sacrifices.

414 Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway: In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay.

Although a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity.

415 Like staff in hand of him in slippery ground who strays Are words from mouth of those who walk in righteous ways.

The words of the good are like a staff in a slippery place.

416 Let each man good things learn, for e'en as he Shall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity.

Let a man listen, never so little, to good (instruction), even that will bring him great dignity.

417 Not e'en through inadvertence speak they foolish word, With clear discerning mind who've learning's ample lessons heard.

Not even when they have imperfectly understood (a matter), will those men speak foolishly, who have profoundly studied and diligently listened (to instruction).

418 Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear, The man may listen, but he scarce can hear.

The ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf.

419 'Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word, When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard.

It is a rare thing to find modesty, a reverend mouth- with those who have not received choice instruction.

420 His mouth can taste, but ear no taste of joy can give! What matter if he die, or prosperous live?

What does it matter whether those men live or die, who can judge of tastes by the mouth, and not by the ear ?