அடுத்தவர் நம்மை இகழக்கூடாது என்று எண்ணுபவன், அடுத்தவர்க்குரிய எந்தப் பொருளையும் மனத்தால்கூடத் திருட நினைக்கக்கூடாது.

எந்தப் பொருளையும் களவாடும் நினைவு தன் நெஞ்சை அணுகாமல் பார்த்துக் (காத்துக்) கொள்பவனே இகழ்ச்சிக்கு ஆட்படாமல் வாழ முடியும்

பிறரால் இகழப்படால் வாழ விரும்புகிறவன், எத்தன்மையானப் பொருளையும் பிறரிடமிருந்து வஞ்சித்துக்கொள்ள எண்ணாதபடி தன் நெஞ்சைக் காக்க வேண்டும்.

Let him, who desires not to be despised, keep his mind from (the desire of) defrauding another of the smallest thing

The Thiru Kural verse 281 emphasizes the virtue of honesty and integrity. It advises that if one wishes to live a life free from contempt and degradation, they should refrain from the thought of cheating others, even for the smallest gain. This includes not only the physical act of stealing but also harboring such an intention in mind. The verse underlines the importance of moral and ethical behavior in earning respect and admiration from others. It suggests that even the smallest act of dishonesty can tarnish one's reputation and lead to social disgrace. The cultural context of this verse lies in the ancient Tamil society's emphasis on righteousness (aṟam) and good conduct (anbudaiyāṟam). It encourages individuals to safeguard their minds from the intention of deceit, as such intentions could lead to harmful actions affecting both the individual and society at large. In essence, this Thiru Kural verse encourages us to uphold honesty and integrity, as these virtues form the basis of a respectable and dignified life. The moral interpretation here is clear: to live a life free from scorn, one must guard their heart from the thought of defrauding others, no matter how insignificant the gain might seem.