உள்ளம் அறிய உண்மை பேசுபவன், தவமும் தானமும் செய்பவரைக் காட்டிலும் உயர்ந்தவன் ஆவான்.

உதட்டளவில் இன்றி உளமார வாய்மை பேசுகிறவர்கள் தவமும், தானமும் செய்கின்றவர்களைவிட உயர்ந்தவர்களாவார்கள்

ஒருவன் தன் மனதோடு பொருந்த உண்மை பேசுவானானால் அவன் தவத்தேடு தானமும் ஒருங்கே செய்வாரை விடச் சிறந்தவன்.

He, who speaks truth with all his heart, is superior to those who make gifts and practise austerities

This verse of the Thiru Kural emphasizes the importance of truthfulness over acts of charity and religious austerity. The verse suggests that a person who speaks the truth, from the depth of their heart and without any deceit, holds a superior position than those who practice religious austerities and make generous donations. The underlying principle here is the value of honesty and integrity. The verse argues that these qualities are more virtuous than performing acts of charity or religious rituals without sincerity. It underlines the idea that no amount of external act of goodness can outweigh the internal virtue of truthfulness. In the cultural context, this verse challenges the common belief that acts of charity and religious practices are the highest form of virtue. Instead, it places truthfulness at the pinnacle of moral excellence. Therefore, the moral interpretation of this verse would be to encourage everyone to uphold truthfulness as the highest virtue, even above acts of charity and religious rituals. It emphasizes the importance of being genuine and sincere in our actions and words.