நீதி என்னும் அறவாழ்வு வாழ்ந்தும் ஒருவன் வறுமைப்பட்டுப் போவான் என்றால், அதை வறுமை என்று உயர்ந்தோர் எண்ணவேமாட்டார்.

நடுவுநிலைமை தவறாமல் அறவழியில் வாழ்கிற ஒருவருக்கு அதன் காரணமாகச் செல்வம் குவியாமல் வறுமை நிலை ஏற்படுமேயானால் அவரை உலகம் போற்றுமே தவிரத் தாழ்வாகக் கருதாது

நடுவுநிலைமை நின்று அறநெறியில் நிலைத்து வாழகின்றவன் அடைந்த வறுமை நிலையைக் கேடு என கொள்ளாது உலகு.

The great will not regard as poverty the low estate of that man who dwells in the virtue of equity

Kural 117 emphasizes the high esteem in which the virtue of impartiality or equity is held. It suggests that a person who adheres strictly to the path of righteousness and maintains a balanced perspective in life, will never be considered lowly or poor, even if they lack material wealth. In simple words, this verse states that the greatness of a person is not measured by their material wealth, but by their moral and ethical values. If a person lives in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness, society will respect and honor them, regardless of their financial status. This Kural, therefore, encourages us to prioritize moral integrity and justice over materialistic gains. It teaches us that true wealth lies not in possessions but in good virtues, and a person who adheres to these virtues is truly rich and respected in society, irrespective of their financial situation. The verse also serves as a reminder that poverty or wealth is not a determinant of a person's worth or status. Rather, it is one's adherence to the principles of righteousness and fairness that determines their true value in society. It encourages us to live a life of virtue, regardless of material circumstances. In essence, Kural 117 is an affirmation of the enduring value of moral integrity and justice, and the importance of maintaining these virtues in the face of material poverty. It underscores the idea that wealth and poverty are transient and superficial, while virtues like justice and fairness are enduring and truly valuable.