தீமை எனத் தான் அறிந்தவற்றை அடுத்தவர்க்குச் செய்யாது இருக்க வேண்டும்.

ஒருவன் தன்னுடைய வாழ்க்கையில் துன்பமானவை என்று அனுபவித்து அறிந்தவற்றை, மற்றவர்க்குச் செய்யாமலிருக்க வேண்டும்

ஒருவன் துன்பமானவை என்று தன் வாழ்க்கையில் கண்டு உணர்ந்தவைகளை மற்றவனிடத்தில் செய்யாமல் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்.

Let not a man consent to do those things to another which, he knows, will cause sorrow

Kural 316 is a moralistic verse that advocates empathy and consideration towards others. It advises against inflicting on others the same pain or sorrow one has personally experienced. In essence, this verse urges individuals to abstain from causing harm or distress to others, especially if they themselves have understood and experienced such suffering in their own lives. It promotes a sense of empathy and compassion, urging people not to repeat the actions that have caused them personal anguish. This principle aligns with the universal moral rule of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". The verse recognizes the importance of personal experiences in shaping our understanding of suffering, and it asks us to use this understanding to avoid causing similar pain to others. The verse is a reminder to be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others, encouraging us to foster kindness, empathy, and respect in our interactions with others. It reminds us that our experiences of pain and sorrow should not only serve as personal lessons but should also guide our treatment of others.