தவறாக ஆள்பவரின் ஆட்சிக்குக் கீழ் ஏழையாய் வாழ்வதைக் காட்டிலும் பணக்காரனாய் வாழ்வது துன்பம்.

வறுமையின்றி வாழ்ந்தால்கூட அந்த வாழ்க்கை கொடுங்கோல் ஆட்சியின் கீழ் அமைந்துவிட்டால் வறுமைத் துன்பத்தை விட அதிகத் துன்பம் தரக் கூடியது

முறை செய்யாத அரசனுடைய கொடுங்கோல் ஆட்சியின் கீழ் இருக்கப் பெற்றால், பொருள் இல்லாத வறுமை நிலையைவிடச் செல்வநிலை துன்பமானதாகும்.

Property gives more sorrow than poverty, to those who live under the sceptre of a king without justice

Kural 558 emphasizes the importance of justice in leadership, particularly in the context of kingship. The verse suggests that living under the rule of a king who lacks fairness and justice is a source of greater sorrow than living in poverty. This is because, in such a society, wealth and property might become a source of misery, as they could be unjustly seized or exploited by the unjust ruler. The verse essentially highlights the significance of justice and fair rule in governance. It underlines that the well-being of the subjects is not solely determined by their material wealth, but significantly influenced by the fairness, integrity, and justice of their ruler. A just ruler can make even a life of poverty bearable, while an unjust ruler can turn wealth into a source of anxiety and suffering. In broader terms, the verse could be interpreted as a critique of any form of leadership or governance that lacks justice, suggesting that such an environment can turn even the most prosperous situations into sources of distress. Therefore, it underscores the importance of justice, fairness, and ethical leadership in creating a society where wealth and prosperity can truly benefit its members.