# XLII: Listening to the Instruction of the Wise explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlii-listening-to-the-instruction-of-the-wise
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters