தன்னையே தோண்டினாலும் தோண்டுபவர் விழுந்துவிடாதபடி தாங்கும் நிலம் போலத், தன்னை வார்த்தைகளால் அவமதிப்பவரையும் மதித்துப் பொறுப்பது முதன்மை அறம்

தன்மீது குழி பறிப்போரையே தாங்குகின்ற பூமியைப் போல் தம்மை இகழ்ந்து பேசுகிறவர்களின் செயலையும் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வதே தலைசிறந்த பண்பாகும்

தன்னை வெட்டுவோரையும் விழாமல் தாங்குகின்ற நிலம் போல், தம்மை இகழ்வாரையும் பொறுப்பதே தலையான பண்பாகும்

To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues

This Kural, number 151, is a profound verse that discusses the virtue of forbearance. It uses the metaphor of the earth to exemplify this quality. The earth, regardless of how much it is dug and exploited, continues to support and bear the weight of the very beings who exploit it. In the same way, the verse suggests that it's a virtuous act to tolerate those who criticize or belittle us. This tolerance doesn't just mean to silently endure the insults, but also to remain kind and respectful towards these individuals. This mirrors the earth's unchanging support regardless of the harm inflicted upon it. This verse implies that the ability to remain unswayed, patient and forgiving in the face of insult or harm is the foremost of virtues. Moreover, the Kural also subtly suggests the impermanence of verbal insults, just like the temporary holes we dig on the earth that eventually get filled. Thus, it encourages us not to hold grudges and to let go of negativity, leading to peace and harmony. In essence, Thiruvalluvar places the virtue of forbearance as the ultimate quality, comparing it to the earth, a symbol of patience and resilience.