நெஞ்சே! நீ என்னிடம் இல்லாமல் உன் விருப்பப்படியே அவரிடம் செல்லக் காரணம், இந்த உலகத்தில் கெட்டுப் போனவர்களுக்கு நண்பர் இல்லை என்பதனாலோ?

நெஞ்சே! நீ எனை விடுத்து அவரை விரும்பிப் பின் தொடர்ந்து செல்வது, துன்பத்தால் அழிந்தோர்க்கு நண்பர்கள் துணையிருக்க மாட்டார்கள் என்று சொல்வது போலவோ?

நெஞ்சே! நீ உன் விருப்பத்தின்படியே அவர் பின் செல்வதற்குக் காரணம், துன்பத்தால் அழிந்தவர்‌க்கு நண்பர் இல்லை என்னும் எண்ண‌மோ?

O my soul! do you follow him at pleasure under the belief that the ruined have no friends?

This Thirukural verse is a profound reflection on human relationships, hardship, and loyalty. It is presented in the form of a rhetorical question, addressed to the speaker's soul. The speaker seems to be contemplating the nature of friendship and loyalty, particularly in times of adversity. The verse essentially poses a question: Is the soul following someone out of a belief that those who have fallen on hard times will not find any friends? This suggests that the speaker's soul is pursuing someone who has experienced misfortune, perhaps out of compassion or a sense of obligation. The cultural context of this verse lies in the ancient Tamil tradition of loyalty and duty towards friends, especially during their difficult times. It highlights the moral responsibility that one has to stand by their friends in times of hardship, even when others abandon them. So, the verse calls for introspection on our motivations. Are we following someone because we genuinely care for them and want to help them in their time of need? Or are we doing it out of a misguided belief that those who are ruined will have no other friends? It encourages us to examine our intentions and ensure that our actions are driven by true empathy and loyalty, rather than pity or a sense of obligation.