அடுத்தவர் பொருளைத் திருடும் ஆசை, நிறைவேறியபின் அழியாத துன்பத்தைத் தரும்.

களவு செய்வதில் ஒருவனுக்கு ஏற்படும் தணியாத தாகம், அதனால் உருவாகும் விளைவுகளால் தீராத துன்பத்தை உண்டாக்கும்

களவு செய்து பிறர் பொருள் கொள்ளுதலில் ஒருவனுக்கு உள்ள மிகுந்த விருப்பம், பயன் விளையும் போது தொலையாதத் துன்பத்தைத் தரும்.

The eager desire of defrauding others will, when it brings forth its fruit, produce undying sorrow

Kural 284 delves into the consequences of the act of deceit or fraud. It essentially implies that an intense desire to defraud others, to gain at their expense, will eventually lead to unending sorrow when the actions finally bear their fruits. This verse beautifully portrays the universal law of karma, which states that every action has an equivalent reaction. If one sows the seeds of deceit and dishonesty, they are bound to reap the fruits of sorrow and regret. The sorrow that comes as a result of deceit is described as "undying," emphasizing the long-term and severe consequences of such actions. The verse encourages moral and ethical behavior. It warns against the temporary allure of fraudulent gains, highlighting the profound and lasting sorrow that these actions can bring. It is a timeless reminder that honesty and integrity in our dealings with others are not just virtuous, but also in our own best interest.