உயிர்களை நேசிக்கும் ஆசை கொண்டவரிடம், அடுத்தவர் பொருளைத் திருடும் இருண்ட அறிவு இராது.

அளவறிந்து வாழ்க்கை நடத்துகிற ஆற்றலுடையவர்களிடம், களவாடுதல் எனும் சூதுமதி கிடையாது

களவு என்பதற்கு காரணமான மயங்கிய அறிவு உடையவராயிருத்தல், அளவு அறிந்து வாழ்தலாகிய ஆற்றலை விரும்பினவரிடத்தில் இல்லை.

That black-knowledge which is called fraud, is not in those who desire that greatness which is called rectitude

The Kural 287 emphasizes on the virtue of honesty and integrity. It asserts that those who understand and practice rectitude or moral righteousness will not resort to fraudulent practices or deceit. Such individuals hold an inner strength and moral courage that keeps them above dishonesty. This verse highlights the distinction between 'black-knowledge', which refers to deceit or dishonesty, and 'greatness', which is equated to rectitude or moral integrity. It suggests that those who aspire for true greatness in the form of moral integrity would not indulge in deceitful actions. Simply put, those who truly understand the value and importance of honesty and integrity, and those who aspire to live a life filled with these virtues, will not resort to fraud or dishonesty. This verse underlines the fact that a morally upright life cannot coexist with deceitful practices. It reflects the time-honored values of honesty, integrity, and rectitude that are central to the teachings of Thiru Kural.