நம்மீது கோபம் கொண்டு தீமை செய்தாலும், பதிலுக்குத் தீமை செய்யாதிருப்பது குற்றமற்றவரின் கொள்கை.

சினங்கொண்டு சொல்லாலோ செயலாலோ ஒருவன் துன்பம் தரும்போது அந்தத் துன்பத்தை அவனுக்குத் திரும்பச் செய்யாமல் தாங்கிக் கொள்வதே சிறந்த மனிதரின் கொள்கையாகும்

ஒருவன் கறுவுகொண்டு துன்பம் செய்த போதிலும் அவனுக்கு திரும்ப துன்பம் செய்யாதிருத்தலே மாசற்றவரின் கொள்கையாகும்.

It is the determination of the spotless not to do evil, even in return, to those who have cherished enmity and done them evil

Verse 312 of Thirukkural underscores the virtuous concept of non-retaliation, even in the face of animosity and harm inflicted by others. In this verse, Valluvar states that those who are truly virtuous and free from fault do not seek to return harm, even to those who have harmed them out of hostility. This virtue is a testament to their inherent moral strength and integrity. The ability to withstand pain without seeking revenge or stooping to the level of the wrongdoer is held as a high virtue, representative of an individual's moral and ethical stance. The verse underscores the importance of forgiveness and tolerance, suggesting that revenge does not resolve conflict but only perpetuates a cycle of harm and hostility. It encourages the reader to rise above the instinct to harm in return, asserting that this restraint is characteristic of those who are truly spotless and virtuous. In a broader cultural context, this verse aligns with the non-violent principles found in many spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It promotes the idea of responding to hate with love, and to harm with forgiveness, advocating for peace and understanding over revenge and retribution.