Tharmam seyyum thuravi periyann
Marumam vallan ilvaazhvaan siriyann.
Greater is the renunciant who performs duty; smaller is the householder who knows the secret (but doesn't act).
தர்மம் செய்யும் துறவி பெரியவன்; (தர்மத்தின்) மர்மம் அறிந்தும் (செய்யாத) இல்வாழ்வான் சிறியவன்.
The renunciant who actively performs duty is greater than the householder who merely knows about duty without practicing it. Knowledge without action is worthless. A practicing renunciant outranks a knowledgeable but inactive householder. This kural guards against intellectualism without implementation.