ஏதும் இல்லாதவரானாலும் அறிவுடையார் எல்லாவற்றையும் உடையவரே; எதைப் பெற்றவராய் இருந்தாலும், அறிவு இல்லாதவர் ஏதும் இல்லாதவரே.

அறிவு இல்லாதவர்களுக்கு வேறு எது இருந்தாலும் பெருமையில்லை; அறிவு உள்ளவர்களுக்கு வேறு எது இல்லாவிட்டாலும் சிறுமை இல்லை

அறிவுடையவர் (வேறொன்றும் இல்லாதிருப்பினும்) எல்லாம் உடையவரே ஆவர், அறிவில்லாதவர் வேறு என்ன உடையவராக இருப்பினும் ஒன்றும் இல்லாதவரே ஆவர்.

Those who possess wisdom, possess every thing; those who have not wisdom, whatever they may possess, have nothing

This verse from the Thirukkural essentially underscores the supreme value of wisdom and knowledge. When Thiruvalluvar says that those who have wisdom have everything, he implies that wisdom is the highest form of wealth, because it can guide a person in making the right decisions, leading a virtuous life, and attaining peace and happiness. Wisdom can also protect a person from many miseries and difficulties in life. On the other hand, those who lack wisdom, regardless of the worldly possessions they might have, are considered to have nothing. This is because material wealth is transient and can often lead to more problems than solutions if not managed wisely. Without wisdom, one may not know how to utilize their wealth for the betterment of themselves and others, and may be led astray by greed, arrogance, and other negative emotions. In essence, this Kural emphasizes that wisdom is the most valuable possession one can have, as it is the key to leading a fulfilling, meaningful, and virtuous life. Regardless of the material wealth one has, without wisdom, one's life can be empty and devoid of true joy and fulfillment.