செவிக்கு உணவாகிய கேள்வி கிடைக்காதபோது, வயிற்றுக்கும் சிறிது உணவு இடப்படும்.

செவி வழியாக இன்பம் தரும் உணவு இல்லாதபோதே சிறிதளவு உணவு வயிற்றுக்குத் தரும் நிலை ஏற்படும்

செவிக்கு கேள்வியாகிய உணவு இல்லாத போது (அதற்க்கு துணையாக உடலை ஒப்புமாறு) வயிற்றுக்கும் சிறிது உணவு தரப்படும்.

When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach

Kural 412 conveys the importance of intellectual nourishment over physical sustenance. It implies that when the ears do not receive their "food", which is knowledge and wisdom gained through hearing, one should at the very least provide a bit of sustenance to the stomach, or the physical body. In essence, the Kural emphasizes the value of wisdom and learning over mere physical needs. The ear is used as a metaphor for learning and absorbing knowledge, while the stomach represents the physical body's necessity for food. The Kural suggests that if one cannot feed their intellect, due to lack of opportunities or resources, they should at least ensure their physical survival by eating. However, the underlying message is an encouragement to prioritize intellectual and spiritual growth over mere physical existence. This verse is a profound commentary on the importance of knowledge and wisdom in human life, and the need to strive for intellectual nourishment, even when dealing with physical hunger. It teaches us that while physical nourishment is necessary for survival, intellectual nourishment is what truly enriches life.