திருடுபவரை அவரது உயிரும் வெறுக்கும்; திருடாதவரையோ தேவர் உலகமும் வெறுக்காது.

களவாடுபவர்க்கு உயிர் வாழ்வதேகூடத் தவறிப்போகும்; களவை நினைத்தும் பார்க்காதவர்க்கோ, புகழுலக வாழ்க்கை தவறவே தவறாது

களவு செய்வார்க்கு உடலில் உயிர் வாழும் வாழ்வும் தவறிப் போகும், களவு செய்யாமல் வாழ்வோர்க்கு தேவருலகும் வாய்க்கத் தவறாது.

Even their body will fail the fraudulent; but even the world of the gods will not fail those who are free from fraud

The Kural 290 emphasizes the negative impact of dishonesty and the value of honesty. The first line, "Even their body will fail the fraudulent," signifies that those who indulge in deceitful and dishonest practices will eventually face the consequences of their actions. This might not necessarily mean a physical failure but can be interpreted as a failure in terms of their character, reputation, and social standing. Dishonesty leads to a life of fear and anxiety, which can in turn cause physical and mental health issues. It is a reminder that deceit and trickery are never sustainable and will lead to downfall. The second line, "but even the world of the gods will not fail those who are free from fraud," emphasizes the rewards of being honest. Those who lead a life of integrity and honesty are not just respected in the human world but are also honored in the divine realm. The phrase "world of the gods" symbolizes a state of peace, prosperity, and respect. It means that a life of honesty and integrity will always be rewarded, if not in this world, then in the hereafter. In essence, this Kural underlines the moral principle that honesty and integrity are superior virtues that lead to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, while dishonesty leads to downfall and loss of respect.