கண் பெற்றிருந்தும் கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாதவர் இயங்கினாலும் மண்ணோடு சேர்ந்து இயங்காமல் நிற்கும் மரம் போன்றவரே.

ஒருவர்க்குக் கண் இருந்தும்கூட அந்தக் கண்ணுக்குரிய அன்பும் இரக்கமும் இல்லாவிட்டால் அவர் மரத்துக்கு ஒப்பானவரே ஆவார்

கண்ணோட்டதிற்க்கு உரிய கண்ணோடுப் பொருந்தி இருந்தும் கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாதவர் (கண் இருந்தும் காணாத ) மரத்தினைப் போன்றவர்.

They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)

This verse from Thiru Kural speaks about the importance of empathy and compassion in human interactions. The poet, Thiruvalluvar, uses a metaphor comparing people who lack kindness despite having the ability to see, to trees. Trees, while being a part of nature and rooted to the earth, do not have the capacity to perceive or understand the needs and feelings of others. They exist, grow, and function, but do not interact with their surroundings in a compassionate way. Similarly, humans who possess the gift of sight, but do not use it to recognise the needs and emotions of others, are likened to these trees. The verse underlines that having the ability to see is not merely about physical vision, but also about emotional perception. It is about using one's sight to perceive the suffering, joy, needs, and emotions of others and respond with kindness and compassion. By equating people who lack compassion to trees, Thiruvalluvar is highlighting the importance of empathy in human relationships. He is suggesting that without kindness and compassion, humans are no better than inanimate objects that merely exist without engaging meaningfully with their surroundings. This verse serves as a reminder to use our abilities not just for our personal gain, but to contribute positively to the lives of others.