இவ்வுலகில் அறத்தையும், பொருளையும் கற்று அறிந்தவரிடம் அடுத்தவனின் உரிமை ஆகிய மனைவி மீது ஆசைப்பட்டு வாழும் அறியாமை இல்லை.

பிறன் மனைவியிடத்து விருப்பம் கொள்ளும் அறியாமை, உலகில் அறநூல்களையும் பொருள் நூல்களையும் ஆராய்ந்து உணர்ந்தவர்களிடம் இல்லை

பிறனுடைய உரிமையாகிய மனைவியை விரும்பி நடக்கும் அறியாமை, உலகத்தில் அறமும் பொருளும் ஆராய்ந்து கண்டவரிடம் இல்லை.

The folly of desiring her who is the property of another will not be found in those who know (the attributes of) virtue and (the rights of) property

This Kural verse 141 from the Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text, addresses the ethical issue of desiring someone who belongs to another person. The verse suggests that such a desire represents ignorance and is a sign of a lack of understanding of both virtue and property rights. In the context of this verse, "virtue" refers to moral standards and ethical behavior, including respect for the rights and relationships of others. "Property" here refers to personal ownership and rights, in this case, the exclusive emotional and physical rights one person has over their spouse. To desire someone else's spouse, then, is to disregard these fundamental principles of virtue and property rights. Those who comprehend and respect these aspects, according to the verse, do not entertain such desires. It implies that a deep understanding of morality and the rights of ownership inherently deters a person from such unethical yearnings. In brief, this verse emphasizes the importance of respect for others' relationships and possessions, which is central to societal harmony and personal integrity. It criticizes and discourages the act of coveting what rightfully belongs to someone else, particularly their spouse.