Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural – 751

To make even the unworthy into men of worth,
Is possible only for wealth and nothing else.

பொருளல் லவரைப் பொருளாகச் செய்யும்
பொருளல்ல தில்லை பொருள்.

பொருள் அல்லவரைப் பொருளாகச் செய்யும்
பொருள் அல்லது, இல்லை பொருள்.

Even the unworthy& uncouth will be considered as men of worth as long as they are wealthy. Other than wealth there is nothing in this world that can make this happen.

There’s a wordplay in this couplet. பொருள் = Wealth,Thing or Worth. It’s impossible to bring that in translation.