ஒருவரது துன்பத்திற்குத் தாம் உரிமையாகப் பெற்றிருக்கும் தம் நெஞ்சமே துணையாகாதபோது, வேறு யார் துணையாவார்?

துன்பம் வரும்போது அதனைத் தாங்குவதற்கு நெஞ்சமே துணையாக இல்லாவிட்டால் பிறகு யார் துணையாக இருப்பார்?

ஒருவர்க்குத் துன்பம் வந்தபோது, தாம் உரிமையாகப் பெற்றுள்ள நெஞ்சமே துணையாகா விட்டால், வேறு யார் துணையாவார்?

Who would help me out of one's distress, when one's own soul refuses help to one?

This verse from Thiru Kural emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and inner strength during times of distress. It conveys the idea that if one's own heart, which is the closest and most personal entity to oneself, refuses to be of assistance during tough times, who else can be expected to come to one's aid? The 'heart' here can be interpreted as one's own courage, willpower, and resilience. If these qualities are absent, external help would make little difference. It underscores the significance of self-confidence and inner strength in overcoming life's challenges. It urges individuals to first look within themselves for solutions before seeking external help. It promotes the belief that the first step in solving a problem lies within oneself, and only when one's own heart is in agreement, one can expect others to assist. This verse highlights the concept of self-help and inner fortitude that are often considered vital in the Tamil culture.