பயப்பட வேண்டியதற்குப் பயப்படாமல் இருப்பது மூடத்தனம்; பயப்படுவது அறிவாளிகளின் செயல்.

அறிவில்லாதவர்கள்தான் அஞ்ச வேண்டியதற்கு அஞ்ச மாட்டார்கள் அறிஞர்கள் மட்டுமே அஞ்ச வேண்டியதற்கு அஞ்சுவார்கள்

அஞ்சத்தக்கதைக் கண்டு அஞ்சாதிருப்பது அறியாமையாகும், அஞ்சத் தக்கதைக் கண்டு அஞ்சுவதே அறிவுடையவரின் தொழிலாகும்.

Not to fear what ought to be feared, is folly; it is the work of the wise to fear what should be feared

This Kural, verse 428, emphasizes the importance of fear in the right context. It suggests that it is unwise not to fear what is truly fearful. The absence of fear in the face of imminent danger or negative consequences reflects a lack of understanding or ignorance. This could be applicable to various situations in life, for instance, not fearing the consequences of unethical actions, not worrying about health issues, or being reckless in financial matters. On the other hand, the verse also points out that it is the mark of a wise person to fear what should be feared. This fear is not about being constantly anxious or paranoid, but rather about being aware and cautious. It's about understanding the potential negative outcome of an action and acting responsibly to avoid it. This could mean abiding by ethical norms to avoid negative societal consequences, taking care of one's health to avoid diseases, or managing finances wisely to prevent financial crises. In essence, Thiruvalluvar, through this Kural, teaches us the importance of caution and due diligence in all aspects of life. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their potential outcomes, promoting wisdom and responsible behavior.