ஏதும் இல்லாதவரின் கடும்பசியைத் தீர்த்து வையுங்கள். பொருளைப் பெற்றவன் சேமித்து வைக்கும் இடம் அதுவே.

பட்டினி எனச் சொல்லி வந்தவரின் பசியைத் தீர்ப்பது வீண் போகாது அதுவே, தான் தேடிய பொருளைப் பிற்காலத்தில் உதவுவதற்கு ஏற்பச் சேமித்து வைக்கக்கூடிய கருவூலமாகும்

வறியவரின் கடும்பசியைத் தீர்க்க வேண்டும் அதுவே பொருள் பெற்ற ஒருவன் அப் பொருளைத் தனக்குப் பிற்காலத்தில் உதவுமாறு சேர்த்து வைக்கும் இடமாகும்.

The removal of the killing hunger of the poor is the place for one to lay up his wealth

The Kural 226, as written by the great sage Thiruvalluvar, emphasizes the importance of helping the less fortunate. This verse advocates that the most valuable way to utilize one's wealth is by alleviating the hunger of those in need. The verse uses the metaphor of 'killing hunger' to depict the intensity of poverty and starvation faced by some individuals. This 'killing hunger' can be interpreted as a state of extreme need, where the lack of food threatens a person's very survival. The verse suggests that it is the moral responsibility of those who are wealthy or have surplus resources, to dispel this extreme hunger and help the needy. Moreover, Thiruvalluvar also suggests that the act of helping the poor is not only a moral duty but also a form of investment. The wealth used in such a manner is not wasted, but rather 'laid up', implying that it holds value for the future. This can be understood in two ways: either as a spiritual belief where good deeds result in good karma, or as a social investment where alleviating poverty can lead to a healthier, more prosperous society. Thus, this verse encourages us to view wealth not merely as a personal possession but as a tool for social betterment. It motivates us to be compassionate and generous, and to use our resources wisely in the service of those less fortunate.