அருள் இல்லாமல் தீமைகளைச் செய்து வாழ்பவரைப் பொருளையும் இழந்து தாம் துன்பம் அடைந்ததையும் மறந்தவர் என்று அறிஞர் கூறுவர்.

அருளற்றவர்களாய்த் தீமைகளைச் செய்து வாழ்பவர்கள், பொருளற்றவர்களாகவும், கடமை மறந்தவர்களாகவும் ஆவர்

அருள் இல்லாதவராய் அறமல்லாதவைகளைச் செய்து நடப்பவர்களை, உறுதிப்பொருளாகிய அறத்திலிருந்து நீங்கித் தம் வாழ்க்கையின் குறிக்கோளை மறந்தவர் என்பார்.

(The wise) say that those who neglect kindness and practise cruelties, neglected virtue (in their former birth), and forgot (the sorrows which they must suffer.)

Kural 246 speaks about the moral law of cause and effect, often referred to as karma in the Indian philosophical context. The verse suggests that those who are unkind and indulge in harmful actions are people who have forgotten the virtuous path from their previous life and ignored the consequences of their actions. In essence, this verse emphasizes that a lack of compassion and engagement in cruel deeds are signs of a person's ignorance or neglect of moral values. According to the sage Valluvar, such people have not only lost their wealth (symbolic of their moral wealth) but also have forgotten their duty and the potential suffering that could result from their harmful actions. In a broader perspective, the verse encourages individuals to practice kindness and righteousness in their lives. It warns against cruel actions, suggesting that such deeds could lead to a downfall in one's moral stature and a life full of suffering. The verse encourages self-awareness, urging individuals to remember the potential consequences of their actions, and to live a life of virtue and compassion. The cultural context of this verse lies in the prevalent belief in reincarnation and karma in Indian philosophies. The verse suggests that actions from past lives can influence one's present life, emphasizing the importance of moral behavior and kindness in shaping one's fate.