செலவிட வேண்டியவற்றிற்குச் செலவிடாமல் செல்வத்தின் மீது ஆசை கொண்ட கஞ்ச மனத்தைப் பெற்றிருப்பது குற்றங்கள் எல்லாவற்றிலும் கொடிய குற்றமாகும்.

எல்லாக் குற்றங்களையும்விடத் தனிப்பெருங் குற்றமாகக் கருதப்படுவது பொருள் சேர்ப்பதில் பற்றுக்கொண்டு எவருக்கும் எதுவும் ஈயாமல் வாழ்வதுதான்

பொருளினிடத்தில் பற்றுக் கொள்ளும் உள்ளமாகிய ஈயாத்தன்மை, குற்றம் எதனோடும் சேர்ந்து எண்ணத்தகாத ஒரு தனிக் குற்றமாகும்.

Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all)

Kural 438 discusses the severity of uncontrolled greed or avarice, particularly when it comes to wealth and material possessions. The verse suggests that avarice is not just another fault or flaw in a person's character. Instead, it is considered to be a singular, major fault that stands out among other faults. The reasoning behind this is that unchecked greed can lead to numerous detrimental consequences. It can cause an individual to act selfishly, deny help to others who are in need, and even resort to dishonest means to acquire wealth. Moreover, the person with uncontrollable greed may never find true happiness or contentment, as their desire for more never ceases. In the cultural context of the Thiru Kural, which promotes values such as generosity, righteousness, and compassion, avarice is seen as a significant moral failing. It goes against the ideals of sharing and caring for others, and the belief in living a balanced and content life with whatever one has. This verse, thus, serves as a strong warning against greed and underscores the importance of developing virtues like contentment and generosity.