Thirukkural Chapter 85 - Ignorance

Couplet 841 
Want of knowledge, 'mid all wants the sorest want we deem;
Want of other things the world will not as want esteem
Explanation
The want of wisdom is the greatest of all wants; but that of wealth the world will not regard as such

Couplet 842 
The gift of foolish man, with willing heart bestowed, is nought,
But blessing by receiver's penance bought
Explanation
(The cause of) a fool cheerfully giving (something) is nothing else but the receiver's merit (in a former birth)

Couplet 843 
With keener anguish foolish men their own hearts wring,
Than aught that even malice of their foes can bring
Explanation
The suffering that fools inflict upon themselves is hardly possible even to foes

Couplet 844 
What is stupidity? The arrogance that cries,
'Behold, we claim the glory of the wise.'
Explanation
What is called want of wisdom is the vanity which says, "We are wise"

Couplet 845 
If men what they have never learned assume to know,
Upon their real learning's power a doubt 'twill throw
Explanation
Fools pretending to know what has not been read (by them) will rouse suspicion even as to what they have thoroughly mastered

Couplet 846 
Fools are they who their nakedness conceal,
And yet their faults unveiled reveal
Explanation
Even to cover one's nakedness would be folly, if (one's) faults were not covered (by forsaking them)

Couplet 847 
From out his soul who lets the mystic teachings die,
Entails upon himself abiding misery
Explanation
The fool who neglects precious counsel does, of his own accord, a great injury to himself

Couplet 848 
Advised, he heeds not; of himself knows nothing wise;
This man's whole life is all one plague until he dies
Explanation
The fool will not perform (his duties) even when advised nor ascertain them himself; such a soul is a burden (to the earth) till it departs (from the body).

Couplet 849 
That man is blind to eyes that will not see who knowledge shows;-
The blind man still in his blind fashion knows
Explanation
One who would teach a fool will (simply) betray his folly; and the fool would (still) think himself "wise in his own conceit"

Couplet 850 
Who what the world affirms as false proclaim,
O'er all the earth receive a demon's name
Explanation
He who denies the existence of what the world believes in will be regarded as a demon on earth