நிலையாத இயல்பினை உடையது செல்வம்; அது கிடைத்தால் நிலையான அறங்களைச் செய்க.

நம்மை வந்தடையும் செல்வம் நிலையற்றது என்பதை உணர்ந்து அதைக் கொண்டு அப்பொழுதே நிலையான நற்செயல்களில் ஈடுபட வேண்டும்

செல்வம் நிலைக்காத இயல்பை உடையது, அத்தகைய செல்வத்தைப்பெற்றால், பெற்ற அப்போதே நிலையான அறங்களைச் செய்ய வேண்டும்.

Wealth is perishable; let those who obtain it immediately practise those (virtues) which are imperishable

Kural 333 underlines the transient nature of wealth and advocates for the immediate application of the acquired wealth towards virtuous deeds. In this verse, Thiruvalluvar, the author, suggests that wealth is inherently unstable and impermanent. It can be accumulated and lost in a moment, making it unreliable as a source of lasting happiness or satisfaction. On the contrary, virtues embody qualities that are enduring and unchanging. They are the true wealth that individuals should aspire to acquire and practice. Virtuous actions such as kindness, compassion, charity, honesty, and integrity, among others, are lasting and are what truly enrich a person's life. Therefore, according to Thiruvalluvar, those who gain wealth should recognize its fleeting nature and use it promptly to do virtuous deeds. This implies that the purpose of wealth is not mere accumulation or enjoyment but to enable one to live a virtuous life. Such a life is marked by using wealth for the welfare of others, for personal growth, and for the betterment of society. In essence, this verse teaches us that material wealth is secondary to the wealth of virtues, and the former should be used to cultivate and enhance the latter. It is a profound reminder of what truly matters in life and the right way to use our material resources.