Tirukural

CHAPTER 43

Possession of Wisdom

421

Wisdom is a weapon that can ward off destruction. It is an inner fortress that no enemy can assail.§

422

Wisdom will harness the mind, diverting it from wrong and directing it toward right.§

423

Whatever is heard from whomever’s lips, wisdom will rightly discern its true meaning.§

424

Wisdom speaks well, conveying each meaning clearly, and listens for the subtlest sense in others’ speech.§

425

The wise befriend the wise and keep that friendship constant, not opening and closing it like the petaled lotus.§

426

It is wisdom to live in the world in the way that the world lives.§

427

Those who know, know what will happen next. Such things are unknown to the unknowing.§

428

It is folly not to fear what ought to be feared. So the wise dread what should be dreaded.§

429

Fearsome sufferings shall never happen to knowing ones who guard against future happenings.§

430

Those who possess wisdom possess everything. Whatever others possess, without wisdom they have nothing.§