படிக்காதவரிடம் இருக்கும் செல்வம், நல்லவரிடம் இருக்கும் வறுமையைக் காட்டிலும் கொடியது.

முட்டாள்களிடம் குவிந்துள்ள செல்வம், நல்லவர்களை வாட்டும் வறுமையைவிட அதிக துன்பத்தைத் தரும்

கல்லாதவனிடம் சேர்ந்துள்ள செல்வமானது, கற்றறிந்த நல்லவரிடம் உள்ள வறுமையைவிட மிகத்துன்பம் செய்வதாகும்.

Wealth, gained by the unlearned, will give more sorrow than the poverty which may come upon the learned

The Thiru Kural verse 408 emphasizes the importance of knowledge over wealth, particularly underlining how wealth without wisdom can lead to sorrow. The verse suggests that the hardship or poverty experienced by those who are learned and wise is less distressing than the riches possessed by those who lack wisdom or knowledge. The verse implies a deeper moral message: wealth in the hands of the uneducated or unwise can lead to misuse, misunderstanding, and ultimately more suffering because they lack the understanding or wisdom to manage it effectively. On the other hand, those who are knowledgeable, even when they face poverty, are less likely to suffer because they possess the wisdom to navigate their circumstances. In this context, the verse promotes the value of wisdom and knowledge over material wealth, suggesting that the latter without the former can ultimately lead to greater distress. It also underlines the enduring value of education and understanding in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life, regardless of one's material circumstances.