குடிமக்களின் பொருள்மீது ஆசை கொண்டு அவர்களைத் துன்புறுத்தித் தவறாக ஆளும் அரசு பகைகொண்டு பிறரைக் கொலை செய்பவரைக் காட்டிலும் கொடியது.

அறவழி மீறிக் குடிமக்களைத் துன்புறுத்தும் அரசு, கொலையைத் தொழிலாகக் கொண்டவரைவிடக் கொடியதாகும்

குடிகளை வருத்தும் தொழிலை மேற்கொண்டு, முறையல்லாத செயல்களைச் செய்து நடக்கும் அரசன் கொலைத் தொழிலைக் கொண்டவரை விடக் கொடியவன்.

The king who gives himself up to oppression and acts unjustly (towards his subjects) is more cruel than the man who leads the life of a murderer

Kural 551 presents a sharp critique of rulers who act unjustly towards their subjects, leading them into oppression and suffering. It argues that such rulers, who wield immense power and yet misuse it to cause harm, are more dangerous and cruel than common murderers. The verse metaphorically compares the oppressive ruler to a murderer, suggesting that while the murderer takes individual lives, the oppressive ruler kills the spirit and livelihood of an entire population. The comparison serves to highlight the gravity of the ruler's actions, as they have the potential to affect a much larger number of people. The kural underscores the moral responsibility that comes with power. It suggests that those in positions of authority, such as rulers, have a duty to use their power to serve and protect their subjects, rather than exploit and oppress them. Failure to do so, the kural suggests, is a grave moral transgression, even worse than murder. This verse also reflects the ethical values of Thiruvalluvar, who places great importance on justice, righteousness, and benevolent leadership. It serves as a warning to current and future leaders, reminding them of the potential harm they can cause if they fail to uphold these values.