செல்வம் இருந்தும் வறுமையாய் வாழ்வது விருந்தினரைப் பேணாமல் வாழும் மடமையே. இது மூடரிடம் மட்டுமே இருக்கும்.

விருந்தினரை வரவேற்றுப் போற்றத் தெரியாத அறிவற்றவர்கள் எவ்வளவு பணம் படைத்தவர்களாக இருந்தாலும் தரித்திரம் பிடித்தவர்களாகவே கருதப்படுவார்கள்

செல்வநிலையில் உள்ள வறுமை என்பது விருந்தோம்புதலைப் போற்றாத அறியாமையாகும்: அஃது அறிவிலிகளிடம் உள்ளதாகும்.

That stupidity which excercises no hospitality is poverty in the midst of wealth It is the property of the stupid

Kural 89 asserts the importance of hospitality, even in the midst of wealth. The verse states that refusing to be hospitable is a form of poverty, even in the presence of abundant wealth. The stupidity referred to here is the inability or unwillingness to extend hospitality to others, which is considered a form of impoverishment. This Kural highlights the cultural value placed on hospitality in traditional Tamil society. Guests are held in high regard and are to be treated with utmost respect and care. Failure to do so is seen as a sign of moral poverty and ignorance, irrespective of one's material wealth. In essence, the verse is a critique on those who hoard wealth and refuse to share it with others, especially guests. It underscores the principle that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation but in its distribution and in the goodwill it can generate. Therefore, the rich who fail to exercise hospitality are considered poor in virtue and wisdom. This verse implies that true wealth is not merely about material possessions but also includes the wealth of kindness, compassion, and generosity.