நெஞ்சுறுதி இல்லாதவர்க்கு வாளால் என்ன பயன்? அறிவுத்திறம் மிக்க அவைகண்டு பயப்படுபவர்க்குத் தர்க்க சாஸ்திர நூலால் பயன் என்ன?

கோழைகளுக்குக் கையில் வாள் இருந்தும் பயனில்லை; அவையில் பேசிட அஞ்சுவோர் பலநூல் கற்றும் பயனில்லை

அஞ்சாத வீரர் அல்லாத மற்றவர்க்கு வாளோடு என்ன தொடர்பு உண்டு, நுண்ணறிவுடையவரின் அவைக்கு அஞ்சுகின்றவர்க்கு நூலோடு என்ன தொடர்பு உண்டு.

What have they to do with a sword who are not valiant, or they with learning who are afraid of an intelligent assembly ?

This Kural verse, number 726, is a profound statement on the purpose and utility of courage and knowledge. In the first line, Valluvar questions the use of a sword for those who lack valor. The implication here is that the weapon, despite its lethal potential, is useless in the hands of the cowardly. The sword serves as a metaphor for courage and bravery - without these qualities, the sword loses its power and purpose. In the second line, the poet makes a parallel observation about knowledge and wisdom. He argues that just as a sword is futile in the hands of the cowardly, so is knowledge when held by those who are afraid of an intelligent assembly or a scholarly discourse. This line underscores the idea that the true value of knowledge lies not merely in its acquisition but in its application, particularly in intellectual discussions and debates. In essence, the verse emphasizes that courage without action and knowledge without application are both fruitless. The moral lesson is that one should not just acquire skills or knowledge but also have the courage and confidence to use them effectively.