கற்றவரே கண் உடையவர்; கல்லாதவரோ முகத்தில் இரண்டு புண்ணையே உடையவர்.

கண்ணில்லாவிடினும் அவர் கற்றவராக இருப்பின் கண்ணுடையவராகவே கருதப்படுவார் கல்லாதவருக்குக் கண் இருப்பினும் அது புண் என்றே கருதப்படும்

கண்ணுடையவர் என்றுக் கூறப்படுபவர் கற்றவரே, கல்லாதவர் முகத்தில் இரண்டுப் புண் உடையவர் ஆவார்.

The learned are said to have eyes, but the unlearned have (merely) two sores in their face

The Kural 393 is a metaphorical verse that highlights the value of knowledge and learning. According to the verse, those who are learned are said to truly "have eyes", highlighting the idea that knowledge and wisdom give one the ability to see and understand the world in a way that those without knowledge cannot. The verse underscores that the value of eyes is not in their physical existence, but in the understanding and perception they offer. Eyes are symbolic of awareness and understanding here. Hence, the learned, despite being physically blind, are considered to have eyes because they possess knowledge. On the other hand, it refers to the unlearned as those with "merely two sores in their face", meaning that without knowledge and wisdom, even the physical eyes are of no use. They are likened to sores, serving no purpose, because they lack the insight and understanding that comes with learning. In essence, this verse is a powerful commentary on the importance of knowledge and the pursuit of learning. It asserts that true sight comes not from the physical eyes, but from the understanding and wisdom gained through learning.