Possession of Knowledge
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epporuḷ yāryārvāyk kēṭpiṉu mapporuṇ / meypporuḷ kāṇ pataṟivu
Whatever the matter and whoever speaks it, wisdom is discerning that matter's true substance and real import.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Though things diverse from divers sages' lips we learn, / 'Tis wisdom's part in each the true thing to discern.”
“To separate the true from the false in every utterance, whoever it be that speaketh, that is the part of a wise understanding.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
எப்பொருள் யார்யார் வாய்க்கேட்பினும்= யாதொரு பொருளை யாவர் யாவர் சொல்லக் கேட்பினும்; அப்பொருள் மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்பது அறிவு= அப்பொருளின் மெய்யாய பயனைக் காணவல்லது அறிவு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar gives the verse universal scope: whatever is heard from whomever, intelligence can discern the matter's true benefit or real import. The speaker's identity does not replace examination of the content.