அச்சந்தரும் கடலால் சூழப்பட்ட இவ்வுலகில் எல்லா நன்மைகளும் அடைவதற்கு உரியவர் எவர் என்றால், அடுத்தவனுக்கு உரியவளின் தோளைச் சேராதவரே

பிறன் மனைவியின் தோளைத் தீண்டாதவரே கடல் சூழ் இவ்வுலகின் பெருமைகளை அடைவதற்குத் தகுதியுடையவர்

கடல் சூழ்ந்த உலகத்தில் நன்மைக்கு உரியவர் யார் என்றொல் பிறனுக்கு உரிமையானவளின் தோளைப் பொருந்தாதவரே ஆவர்

Is it asked, "who are those who shall obtain good in this world surrounded by the terror-producing sea ?" Those who touch not the shoulder of her who belongs to another

This Thiru Kural verse, Kural 149, explores the theme of moral conduct, specifically in the context of fidelity and respect for the relationships of others. It is a direct commentary on the importance of refraining from inappropriate interactions with someone else's spouse. The verse asks, 'Who are the people who will attain goodness in this world, which is surrounded by the expansive, fear-inducing ocean?' The response given is, 'Those who do not touch the shoulder of a woman who belongs to another man.' Here, ‘touching the shoulder’ serves as a metaphor for engaging in any form of inappropriate, intimate conduct. The verse emphasizes that moral integrity, respect for the sanctity of marriage, and refraining from causing harm to others, especially in their personal relationships, are essential for a person's good standing in the world. It suggests that those who uphold such ethical standards will be rewarded with goodness in this life. In the societal and cultural context of ancient Tamil society when Thiru Kural was written, marriage was considered sacred, and fidelity was highly valued. This verse is a reflection of those societal norms, and it continues to hold relevance today by reinforcing the universal values of respect for others and their relationships.