The Kural · Chapter
XLII: Listening to the Instruction of the Wise explained
This chapter extols the virtue of listening to wise instruction, presenting it as the most precious treasure and a source of dignity, stability, and divine-like wisdom.
What happens
This chapter extols the virtue of listening to wise instruction, presenting it as the most precious treasure and a source of dignity, stability, and divine-like wisdom. It emphasizes that even the unlearned benefit from hearing good counsel, and that the ear's cultivation through instruction is essential for meaningful speech and life.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Righteousness
Listening to wise instruction is portrayed as a cornerstone of righteous living, providing moral stability and preventing error.
Social Harmony and Ethics
The chapter emphasizes how the counsel of the righteous fosters ethical conduct and social cohesion, as the wise guide others away from folly.
Characters to notice
- the Kural
The text of the Kural itself is the source of the teachings on listening to the wise.
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, whose verses convey the importance of heeding wise instruction.
Key passages
“The most precious of treasures is the treasure of the ear: verily it is the crown of all kinds of wealth.”
Listening to wisdom is the greatest wealth, surpassing all material riches.
Opening couplet establishing the supreme value of auditory learning.
“Behold the men who have listened to much instruction: they are very Gods on earth.”
Those who have absorbed much teaching become almost divine in their wisdom.
High praise for the learned, equating them with divine beings.
“The counsel of the righteous is like unto a strong staff: for it keepeth those that listen to it from slipping.”
Advice from virtuous people acts as a supportive staff, preventing moral falls.
Metaphor of the staff to illustrate the protective function of wise counsel.