Kural #1008
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Tamil text
நச்சப் படாதவன் செல்வம்
நடுவூருள் நச்சு மரம்பழுத் தற்று
Naccap paṭātavaṉ celvam
Naṭuvūruḷ naccu maramppaḻut taṟṟu
English translation
The wealth of an unloved miser is like a poisonous tree bearing fruit in the middle of a village.
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Explanation
A striking image: the miser's wealth is like a poison tree in a public place. Its fruits look attractive but harm anyone who touches them. The miser's wealth tempts but benefits no one - it only causes suffering.
விளக்கம்
நச்சப்படாதவர் செல்வம் ஊருக்கு நடுவே நச்சு மரம் பழுத்தது போல. அது பார்ப்பதற்கு நன்றாக இருந்தாலும் யாருக்கும் பயன்படாது. நன்றி இல்லாத செல்வம் பயனற்றது என்பதை இது காட்டுகிறது. இது நன்றியில் செல்வம் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- நச்சப்படாதவன்naccappaṭātavaṉone not loved
- செல்வம்celvamwealth
- நடுவூருள்naṭuvūruḷin the middle of the village
- நச்சுnaccupoison
- மரம்maramtree
- பழுத்தற்றுpaḻuttaṟṟulike bearing fruit
Story behind this kural
In a sun-baked village, lived a merchant named Silas. He possessed a mountain of gold, yet his heart was a barren desert. He hoarded his wealth, offering nothing to his neighbors. He built a towering wall around his estate, keeping everyone at arm's length. One summer, a terrible drought struck. The villagers pleaded with Silas for water from his well. But Silas refused, muttering about protecting his investment. Fields withered, and children cried. Nearby, a wise old woman, Elara, owned a small orchard. Though her resources were meager, she shared her fruits freely. Travelers rested beneath her trees, finding shade and refreshment. Silas's gold gleamed, but his name was whispered with scorn. Elara's orchard flourished, and her smile warmed the village. Though the drought eventually passed, the villagers remembered the poison and the sweetness long after the rains returned.