நல்லொழுக்கம், அறமாகிய நன்மைக்கு வித்தாக அமைந்து இம்மை மறுமையிலும் இன்பம் தரும்; தீயொழுக்கமோ துன்பமே தரும்.

நல்லொழுக்கம், வாழ்க்கையில் நன்மைக்கு வித்தாக அமையும் தீயொழுக்கம், தீராத துன்பம் தரும்

நல்லொழுக்கம் இன்பமான நல்வாழ்க்கைக்குக் காரணமாக இருக்கும்; தீயொழுக்கம் எப்போதும் துன்பத்தைக் கொடுக்கும்.

Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow

This Kural (Verse 138) emphasizes the profound role of good conduct in life. It asserts that noble behavior serves as the root of all virtues, illuminating one's life with positivity and prosperity. If one conducts themselves with righteousness, they sow the seeds of virtue that will bear the fruits of peace, happiness, and respect in society. On the contrary, the verse warns about the consequences of impropriety or bad conduct. It states that negative or immoral behavior consistently brings about suffering and sorrow. Such conduct not only affects the individual but also distresses the society they live in. Our actions, whether good or bad, have a ripple effect and hence, this verse stresses the importance of maintaining propriety in our behavior. In essence, this verse is a timeless reminder that our character is defined by our conduct, and it is our moral responsibility to adhere to good conduct for a virtuous and fulfilling life. Consequently, the way we conduct ourselves shapes our destiny, either filling it with joy through good actions or leading to perpetual suffering through bad actions.