எத்தனை பெரியவரானாலும் நீர் இல்லாமல் வாழமுடியாது; அந்த நீரோ மழை இல்லாமல் கிடைக்காது

உலகில் மழையே இல்லையென்றால் ஒழுக்கமே கெடக்கூடும் என்ற நிலை இருப்பதால், நீரின் இன்றியமையாமையை உணர்ந்து செயல்பட வேண்டும்

எப்படிப்பட்டவர்க்கும் நீர் இல்லாமல் உலக வாழ்க்கை நடைபெறாது என்றால், மழை இல்லையானால் ஒழுக்கமும் நிலைபெறாமல் போகும்

If it be said that the duties of life cannot be discharged by any person without water, so without rain there cannot be the flowing of water

This Kural, verse 20, emphasizes the significance of water and the rain that brings it, for the proper functioning of the world and the upkeep of righteousness (ozhukkam in Tamil). It essentially indicates that water is crucial for all elements of life and is indispensable for the discharge of one's duties and responsibilities. The verse underscores the fundamental dependency of life on water. It argues that if it is believed that no person could fulfill their life's duties without water, it must also be recognized that without rain, there would be no water. Here, 'duties of life' can be seen to encompass both basic survival needs such as drinking and agriculture, and more complex societal responsibilities. Furthermore, the verse uses the concept of water and rain to emphasize the importance of natural resources and the environment in maintaining the moral and ethical order (ozhukkam). It suggests that without these natural resources, ozhukkam, which could be interpreted as righteousness, moral conduct, or even societal order, would cease to exist. This verse, thus, subtly highlights the interconnection between the environment and ethical living, emphasizing the importance of preserving and respecting natural resources. It's also a call for sustainable living and resource management.