Hearing

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Selvaththut Selvanj Chevichchelvam Achchelvam
Selvaththu Lellaan Thalai.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Sevikkuna Villaadha Pozhdhu Siridhu
Vayitrukkum Eeyap Patum.

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

Explanation
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.

Tamil Transliteration
Seviyunavir Kelvi Yutaiyaar Aviyunavin
Aandraaro Toppar Nilaththu.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Katrila Naayinung Ketka Aqdhoruvarku
Orkaththin Ootraan Thunai.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Izhukkal Utaiyuzhi Ootrukkol Atre
Ozhukka Mutaiyaarvaaich Chol.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Enaiththaanum Nallavai Ketka Anaiththaanum
Aandra Perumai Tharum.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Pizhaith Thunarndhum Pedhaimai Sollaa Rizhaiththunarn
Theentiya Kelvi Yavar.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Ketpinung Kelaath Thakaiyave Kelviyaal
Thotkap Pataadha Sevi.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Nunangiya Kelviya Rallaar Vanangiya
Vaayina Raadhal Aridhu.

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

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

Tamil Transliteration
Seviyir Suvaiyunaraa Vaayunarvin Maakkal
Aviyinum Vaazhinum En?.