தம் மகிழ்ச்சியில் மனவலிமை பெறும்பொழுது எல்லாம் முற்காலத்தில் மகிழ்ச்சியால் மறதி கொண்டு அழிந்தவர்களை நினைவிற் கொள்க.

மமதையால் பூரித்துப்போய்க் கடமைகளை மறந்திருப்பவர்கள், அப்படி மறந்துபோய் அழிந்து போனவர்களை நினைத்துப் பார்த்துத் திருந்திக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்

தாம் தம் மகிழ்ச்சியால் செருக்குக் கொண்டு கடமையை மறந்திருக்கும் போது, அவ்வாறு சோர்ந்திருந்த காரணத்தால் முற்காலத்தில் அழிந்தவரை நினைக்க வேண்டும்.

Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy

This verse from Thiru Kural advises leaders (specifically kings, but the advice is applicable to any person in a position of power) to recall those who have been ruined due to negligence at times when they themselves are elated with joy. The reason behind this advice is to instill a sense of humility and caution in them. In the throes of joy or success, it's easy for a leader to get carried away and neglect their responsibilities. This verse serves as a reminder that such negligence can lead to ruin, as it has for those before them. It is a call for mindful leadership, emphasizing that a leader should not let joy or success cloud their judgment or let them stray from their duties. In essence, the verse encourages leaders to learn from the failures of the past and remain grounded, even in moments of great joy or success. This ensures they remain effective in their roles and don't fall into the same traps as those who have come before them. The underlying moral is a universal one: that power comes with responsibility, and that we should never allow our personal emotions or successes to interfere with the duties we owe to others.