அடக்கத்துடன் வாழ்வதே அறிவுடைமை என்று அறிந்து, ஒருவன் அடக்கமாக வாழ்ந்தால் அவனது அடக்கம் நல்லவர்களால் அறியப்பட்டு அது அவனுக்குப் பெருமையைக் கொடுக்கும்.

அறிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து அதற்கேற்ப அடக்கத்துடன் நடந்து கொள்பவரின் பண்பை உணர்ந்து பாராட்டுகள் குவியும்

அறிய வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து, நல்வழியில் அடங்கி ஒழுகப்பெற்றால், அந்த அடக்கம் நல்லோரால் அறியப்பட்டு மேன்மை பயக்கும்.

Knowing that self-control is knowledge, if a man should control himself, in the prescribed course, such self-control will bring him distinction among the wise

Kural 123 elucidates the importance of self-control and knowledge in attaining respect and distinction among the wise. The verse emphasizes that understanding the need for self-control is in itself a form of knowledge. Once a person gains this understanding, they should strive to exercise self-control in accordance with the moral and ethical principles they've learned. The verse is essentially advising that one should not merely know what is right, but also actively practice it. This practice of self-restraint or self-control, when observed properly, will earn a person recognition and esteem among those who are wise and discerning. It highlights the value accorded to self-discipline and ethical behavior in society. The Tamil explanations also concur on the same theme. They underline that understanding what needs to be known and acting with self-control as per that understanding, will be appreciated and respected by the virtuous people. Therefore, this verse advocates for the practice of self-control guided by proper knowledge, as a means to attain respect and distinction.