தவறான ஆட்சியால் துன்பப்பட்டு, துன்பம் பொறுக்காத குடிமக்கள் சிந்திய கண்ணீர்தான், ஆட்சியாளரின் செல்வத்தை அழிக்கும் ஆயுதம்.

கொடுமை பொறுக்க முடியாமல் மக்கள் சிந்தும் கண்ணீர் ஆட்சியை அழிக்கும் படைக்கருவியாகும்

(முறை செய்யாதவனுடைய) செல்வத்தைத் தேய்த்து அழிக்க வல்ல படை அவனால் பலர் துன்பப்பட்டுத் துன்பம் பொறுக்க முடியாமல் அழுத கண்ணீர் அன்றோ.

Will not the tears, shed by a people who cannot endure the oppression which they suffer (from their king), become a saw to waste away his wealth ?

The Kural 555 emphasizes the consequences of a ruler's oppressive rule. It metaphorically states that the tears shed by the people, who are unable to tolerate the harshness and cruelty of their leader, can act as a weapon powerful enough to destroy his wealth and prosperity. This verse underlines the importance of a just and empathetic rule. If a ruler is unjust and imposes unbearable suffering on his subjects, their pain and tears will eventually lead to his downfall. The tears are metaphorically referred to as a 'saw', indicating their potential to slowly but steadily erode the ruler's wealth, power, and prosperity. In essence, this verse serves as a reminder to those in power about the impact of their actions on their subjects. If they rule with cruelty and oppression, the resultant suffering of their people will eventually lead to their own destruction. This moral lesson is not just applicable to rulers, but also to anyone in a position of power or authority.