கல்லாதவனே என்றாலும் கற்றவர் கூறும் சிறந்த செய்திகளைக் கேட்க வேண்டும்; அப்படிக் கேட்பது அவனுக்கு நெருக்கடி வரும்போது பிடிப்பதற்கு ஏற்ற துணையாக உதவும்.

நூல்களைக் கற்காவிட்டாலும், கற்றவரிடம் கேட்டுத் தெரிந்து கொண்டால், அது நடை தளர்ந்தவனுக்கு உதவிடும் ஊன்றுகோலைப் போலத் துணையாக அமையும்

நூல்களைக் கற்றவில்லையாயினும், கற்றறிந்தவர்களிடம் கேட்டறிய வேண்டும், அது ஒருவனுக்கு வாழ்க்கையில் தளர்ச்சி வந்த போது ஊன்றுகோல் போல் துணையாகும்.

Although a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity

Kural 414 emphasizes the importance of learning and gaining knowledge, even if it's not through formal education. It suggests that one does not necessarily need to be formally educated to be wise or knowledgeable. If a person, despite being uneducated, listens and learns from those who are learned, that knowledge can serve as a support in times of adversity, just like a staff helps a person who stumbles. The metaphor of the staff is significant here. A staff provides support and stability to those who need it, helping them navigate difficult terrain. Similarly, the knowledge gained from listening to the learned acts as a guiding force in life, helping an individual navigate through challenging times and situations. The verse also underscores the value of humility and openness to learning. It suggests that regardless of one's educational status, one should always be open to learning from others. This reflects a key aspect of Tamil culture and philosophy that values wisdom and knowledge above formal education. In essence, this Kural speaks to the power of lifelong learning and the importance of being receptive to knowledge from all sources. It teaches us that wisdom is not restricted to the educated alone and that the willingness to listen and learn can provide invaluable support in life's journey.