நிலமகள் என்னும் நல்ல பெண், நாம் ஏதும் இல்லாத ஏழை என்று சோம்பி இருப்பவரைக் கண்டால் தனக்குள் ஏளனமாய்ச் சிரிப்பாள்.

வாழ வழியில்லை என்று கூறிக்கொண்டு சோம்பலாய் இருப்பவரைப் பார்த்துப் பூமித்தாய் கேலி புரிவாள்

எம்மிடம் ஒரு பொருளும் இல்லை என்று எண்ணி வறுமையால் சோம்பியிருப்பவரைக் கண்டால், நிலமகள் தன்னுள் சிரிப்பாள்.

The maiden, Earth, will laugh at the sight of those who plead poverty and lead an idle life

This verse from Thirukkural conveys a profound message about the significance of hard work and the futility of idle living. The verse metaphorically refers to Earth as a maiden, who laughs at those who claim to live in poverty while leading an indolent life. The Earth, in this verse, represents productivity and abundance. It is abundant with resources and constantly works to nourish and support life. When it observes individuals who, despite having access to its resources, choose to lead idle lives under the guise of poverty, it laughs. This laughter is not one of mockery but irony. It's a symbolic expression of the Earth's abundant generosity and the folly of those who, despite such abundance, refuse to make an effort to improve their conditions. This verse imparts a moral lesson that poverty is not just a material state but also a state of mind. If people are willing to work and utilize the resources available to them, they can overcome their circumstances. But those who remain idle, blaming their poverty, are only fooling themselves. The Earth with its plentiful resources is ready to reward those who are willing to put in effort and work. It is a reminder of the saying, "God helps those who help themselves." So, in essence, this verse encourages diligence, industriousness, and self-reliance while highlighting the futility and foolishness of idle living.