புகழை விரும்பிய மனைவியைப் பெறாதவர்க்கு அவர்களை ஏளனம் செய்வார் முன்னே ஆண் சிங்கமாய் நடக்கும் பெருமித நடை இல்லை.

புகழுக்குரிய இல்வாழ்க்கை அமையாதவர்கள், தம்மைப் பழித்துப் பேசுவோர் முன்பு தலைநிமிர்ந்து நடக்க முடியாமல் குன்றிப் போய் விடுவார்கள்

புகழைக் காக்க விரும்பும் மனைவி இல்லாதவர்க்கு, இகழ்ந்து பேசும் பகைவர் முன் காளை போல் நடக்கும் பெருமித நடை இல்லை.

The man whose wife seeks not the praise (of chastity) cannot walk with lion-like stately step, before those who revile them

This verse from the Thirukkural emphasizes the significance of a virtuous and chaste wife in a man's life. In essence, it states that a man whose wife does not seek the praise of virtue and chastity cannot walk with pride and dignity in front of those who criticize or revile him. In the cultural context of ancient Tamil society, a wife's chastity was regarded as a reflection of her husband's honor and status. A man whose wife was not committed to the values of virtue and chastity was often subjected to ridicule and derision in society. This verse underscores the importance of virtue and chastity, not just for women, but also for men, as it affects their honor and respect in society. It implies that a man's social standing and dignity are largely influenced by the character and conduct of his wife. Therefore, this verse encourages individuals to pursue and uphold virtues like chastity and integrity, which in turn contribute to their respect and honor in society. The man who has such a wife can walk with a lion-like stately step, a metaphor indicating pride, strength, and dignity.