அயலவர் அழிக்காமல் குடிமக்களையும் தன்னையும் காத்து, குடிகளின் குறைகளைக் களைந்து நேரிய ஆட்சி செய்வது, ஆட்சியாளருக்குக் குறை ஆகாது. அது அவர் தொழில்.

குடிமக்களைப் பாதுகாத்துத் துணை நிற்பதும், குற்றம் செய்தவர்கள் யாராயினும் தனக்கு இழுக்கு வரும் என்று கருதாமல் தண்டிப்பதும் அரசின் கடமையாகும்

குடிகளைப் பிறர் வருந்தாமல் காத்து, தானும் வருந்தாமல் காப்பாற்றி, அவற்களுடைய குற்றங்களைத் தக்க தண்டனையால் ஒழித்தல், அரசனுடைய தொழில் பழி அன்று.

In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime

The Kural 549 emphasizes the primary duties of a ruler. It explains that a king's foremost responsibilities are to protect his subjects from harm by others, as well as by himself, and to administer impartial justice by punishing those who commit wrong, regardless of their status or relationship to him. In the first part, "guarding his subjects (against injury from others)" refers to the king's duty to ensure external security from invaders or enemies. It also includes internal safety from harmful elements within his kingdom. The second part, "preserving them himself" implies the king's responsibility to not cause harm to his subjects through his actions or policies. The verse further underscores that a king should punish crime without any prejudice. No individual, irrespective of their stature or proximity to the king, should be spared if they commit a crime. This idea promotes fairness and impartiality in justice. In essence, this verse suggests that a truly effective and just king is one who safeguards his subjects, causes no harm to them and maintains a just legal system, treating all his subjects equally before the law.