அடுத்தவர்க்குத் தீமையைக் காலையில் செய்தால், நமக்குத் தீமை நம்மைத் தேடி மாலையில் தானாக வரும்.

பிறருக்குத் தீங்கு விளைவித்துவிட்டோம் என்று ஒருவர் மகிழ்ந்து கொண்டிருக்கும்போதே, அதேபோன்ற தீங்கு அவரையே தாக்கும்

முற்பகலில் மற்றவருக்கு துன்பமானவற்றைச் செய்தால் அவ்வாறு செய்தவர்க்கே பிற்பகலில் துன்பங்கள் தாமாக வந்து சேரும்.

If a man inflict sorrow upon others in the morning, it will come upon him unsought in the very evening

This verse from the Thirukkural (Verse 319), beautifully embodies the concept of karma, or the law of cause and effect. It highlights the moral principle that one's actions, whether positive or negative, will invariably have consequences that return to the actor. The verse metaphorically uses the time of day - morning and evening - to illustrate the immediacy and certainty of these consequences. If one inflicts pain or sorrow on others in the 'morning' - this could be understood as the beginning or early phase of any action or interaction - the repercussions of this act will return to them by 'evening' - symbolizing the end or later stage of the same day's action or interaction. In other words, the verse warns against causing harm to others, as the harm one causes will inevitably come back to them, often sooner than they might expect. This moral lesson is universal and echoes across various cultural and religious philosophies, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Therefore, the verse is a profound reminder that one should always be cautious of their actions, as they not only impact others but also determine the kind of repercussions one will face in return. It underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and ethical conduct in human interactions.