உண்ண, உடுத்த ஏதம் இல்லாதவர் இல்லறத்தை முழுமையாகத் துறந்து விடாதிருப்பது, பிறர் வீட்டில் இருக்கும் உப்புக்கும் கஞ்சித் தண்ணீருக்கும் எமனாம்.

ஒழுங்குமறையற்றதால் வறுமையுற்றோர், முழுமையாகத் தம்மைத் துறக்காமல் உயிர்வாழ்வது, உப்புக்கும் கஞ்சிக்கும்தான் கேடு

நுகரும் பொருள் இல்லாத வறியவர் முற்றுந் துறக்க கூடியவராக இருந்தும் துறக்காத காரணம், உப்புக்கும் கஞ்சிக்கும் எமனாக இருப்பதே ஆகும்.

The destitute poor, who do not renounce their bodies, only consume their neighbour's salt and water

Kural 1050 explores the state of extreme poverty, where individuals are unable to meet even their basic needs, such as food and water. Despite their dire circumstances, these individuals do not renounce their bodies, meaning they continue to exist and hope for survival rather than succumbing to despair or choosing to end their lives. The verse goes on to suggest that their survival is dependent on the goodwill of their neighbors, symbolized by the consumption of the neighbor's salt and water. Salt and water here are metaphors for the most basic necessities of life that they are unable to afford themselves. The Kural emphasizes the harsh reality of poverty and the struggle for survival that it entails. It also highlights the importance of empathy and generosity towards those less fortunate, as their survival could depend on such acts of kindness. It serves as a reminder of the social responsibility we all carry to help those in need. The verse also subtly criticizes those who, despite being in such a desperate state, do not strive to change their circumstances. It suggests that their reliance on others for survival is a form of shame, and encourages self-reliance and effort to improve one's situation.