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Chapter 101 of 133Wealth

நன்றியில் செல்வம்

Wealth without Benefaction

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

10011010

Reading

10 couplets

Section

பொருட்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 1001

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

வைத்தான்வாய் சான்ற பெரும்பொருள் அஃதுண்ணான்

செத்தான் செயக்கிடந்தது இல்.

Modern interpretation

A person who piles up wealth but never uses it or shares it gains no real benefit from it. For example, saving every cent while never helping your family or enjoying a simple life leaves the fortune unused.

Read Kural 1001 in full

Kural 1002

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பொருளானாம் எல்லாமென்று ஈயாது இவறும்

மருளானாம் மாணாப் பிறப்பு

Modern interpretation

Wealth can provide many comforts, but clinging to it and refusing to share it is a form of delusion that degrades a person's life. For example, someone who has plenty but will not help a neighbor lets greed rule them.

Read Kural 1002 in full

Kural 1003

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஈட்டம் இவறி இசைவேண்டா ஆடவர்

தோற்றம் நிலக்குப் பொறை.

Modern interpretation

People who care only about increasing their wealth and not about earning a good name become a burden to the world. For example, a business owner who profits greatly but never treats workers or customers fairly leaves no respected legacy.

Read Kural 1003 in full

Kural 1004

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

எச்சமென்று என்எண்ணுங் கொல்லோ ஒருவரால்

நச்சப் படாஅ தவன்.

Modern interpretation

A person whom nobody loves because they never help anyone has little to look forward to leaving behind. For example, a miser may own a great deal, yet no one remembers them with gratitude after they are gone.

Read Kural 1004 in full

Kural 1005

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கொடுப்பதூஉம் துய்ப்பதூஉம் இல்லார்க்கு அடுக்கிய

கோடியுண் டாயினும் இல்.

Modern interpretation

If someone neither shares their wealth nor allows themselves to enjoy it, even millions are as useless as having nothing. For example, money locked away forever cannot feed a family, support a cause, or bring its owner any honest joy.

Read Kural 1005 in full

Kural 1006

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஏதம் பெருஞ்செல்வம் தான்துவ்வான் தக்கார்க்கொன்று

ஈதல் இயல்பிலா தான்.

Modern interpretation

Wealth becomes a kind of illness when its owner neither enjoys it nor uses it to help deserving people. For example, a person who hoards savings while refusing needed medical help to a dependent lets the fortune control them.

Read Kural 1006 in full

Kural 1007

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அற்றார்க்கொன்று ஆற்றாதான் செல்வம் மிகநலம்

பெற்றாள் தமியள்மூத் தற்று.

Modern interpretation

Wealth that never helps people in need is like a beautiful opportunity kept locked away until its value is lost. For example, a well-funded scholarship that is never offered cannot change a student's life.

Read Kural 1007 in full

Kural 1008

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நச்சப் படாதவன் செல்வம் நடுவூருள்

நச்சு மரம்பழுத் தற்று.

Modern interpretation

The wealth of a disliked person is like poisonous fruit growing in the middle of a town: it may look plentiful, but people cannot safely benefit from it. For example, money built by exploiting workers brings fear rather than trust.

Read Kural 1008 in full

Kural 1009

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அன்பொரீஇத் தற்செற்று அறநோக்காது ஈட்டிய

ஒண்பொருள் கொள்வார் பிறர்.

Modern interpretation

Wealth earned without love, self-care, or concern for what is right will eventually be enjoyed by someone else. For example, an owner who sacrifices every relationship and acts dishonestly may leave the fortune to strangers when others take over.

Read Kural 1009 in full

Kural 1010

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சீருடைச் செல்வர் சிறுதுனி மாரி

வறங்கூர்ந் தனையது உடைத்து.

Modern interpretation

A short period of hardship for a generous and respected person is like a rain cloud that is briefly empty. For example, a community donor may face a temporary setback without losing the goodwill built through years of helping others.

Read Kural 1010 in full