காணாதபோது ஒருவனைப் பற்றிப் புறம்பேசிக், காணும்போது பொய்யாக அவனுடன் பேசி வாழ்வதைக் காட்டிலும் இறந்து போவது அற நூல்கள் கூறும் உயர்வைத் தரும்.

கண்ட இடத்தில் ஒன்றும், காணாத இடத்தில் வேறொன்றுமாகப் புறங்கூறிப் பொய்மையாக நடந்து உயிர் வாழ்வதைவிடச் சாவது நன்று

புறங்கூறிப் பொய்யாக நடந்து உயிர் வாழ்தலை விட, அவ்வாறு செய்யாமல் வறுமையுற்று இறந்து விடுதல், அறநூல்கள் சொல்லும் ஆக்கத்தைத் தரும்‌‌.

Death rather than life will confer upon the deceitful backbiter the profit which (the treatises on) virtue point out

Kural 183 draws attention to the detrimental effects of deceit and backbiting, stating that death is more favorable than a life filled with such vices. The verse underlines that individuals who engage in deceitful behavior and speak ill of others behind their backs, yet maintain a facade of goodwill in their presence, are leading a life of falsehood. The moral stance of the verse is that integrity, honesty, and truthfulness are far superior virtues and that a life devoid of these qualities is not worth living. Thiruvalluvar, the author of Thiru Kural, suggests that such deceitful behavior leads to a life of dishonor and ignominy, which is worse than death itself. He further emphasizes that the teachings of virtue, or moral codes, suggest that even death is preferable to a life lived in deceit and falsehood. This is because death is considered a natural and inevitable part of life, while deceit and backbiting are viewed as moral failings that tarnish one's character and reputation. The verse thus promotes the values of honesty and integrity, and denounces deceitful behavior and backbiting. In essence, this Kural teaches us that it is better to die with honor than to live a life of deception and duplicity.