ஒருவன் பிடிமானம் ஏதும் இல்லாமல் எல்லாம் இழந்த நிலையில் இருந்தபோதும், அவனுடன் தங்களுக்கு உள்ள பழந்தொடர்பைக் கூறுவது சுற்றத்தாரிடம் மட்டுமே உண்டு.

ஒருவருக்கு வறுமை வந்த நேரத்திலும் அவரிடம் பழைய உறவைப் பாராட்டும் பண்பு உடையவர்களே சுற்றத்தார் ஆவார்கள்

ஒருவன் வறியவனான காலத்திலும் அவனுக்கும் தமக்கும் இருந்த உறவைப் பாராட்டிப் பேசும் பண்புகள் சுற்றத்தாரிடம் உண்டு.

Even when (a man's) property is all gone, relatives will act towards him with their accustomed (kindness)

This Kural verse speaks about the enduring nature of true kinship, which remains unaltered even in the face of hardships and poverty. The verse implies that those who continue to treat a person with the same respect and affection, notwithstanding his losses and destitution, are his real relatives. In the verse, Valluvar uses the notion of 'property all gone' as a metaphor for the worst possible situation a person can be in. This represents not just material loss but also the loss of social standing, respect, and dignity that usually accompanies financial ruin. Yet, there are those who stand by such a person, treating him with the same kindness and respect as before. These individuals are the 'relatives' Valluvar refers to - not necessarily blood relatives, but those who are bound by ties of love, respect, and kindness. The verse stresses the importance of unconditional love and respect in relationships. It suggests that the true measure of a relationship is not how it fares in times of prosperity, but how it stands in times of adversity. True relatives are those who support and respect you, regardless of your socio-economic status. This message is timeless and universal, holding relevance even in today's materialistic world. It reminds us to value people for their inherent worth, rather than their possessions or social standing.