தன்னைப் பெற்றவனின் பசியைக் காண நேர்ந்தாலும் அதைப் போக்கப் பெருமக்கள் பழிக்கும் செயல்களைச் செய்யாது விடுக.

பசியால் துடிக்கும் தனது தாயின் வேதனையைத் தணிப்பதற்காகக்கூட இழிவான செயலில் ஈடுபடக்கூடாது

பெற்ற தாயின் பசியைக் கண்டு வருந்த நேர்ந்தாலும், சான்றோர் பழிப்பதற்குக் காரணமான இழிவுற்றச் செயல்களைச் செய்யக்கூடாது.

Though a minister may see his mother starve; let him do not act which the wise would (treat with contempt)

Kural 656 is a profound verse that imparts a moral lesson on integrity and righteous behaviour. It essentially says, "Even if one witnesses their mother suffering from hunger, they should not resort to dishonorable actions that would invite the scorn of the wise." This Kural underlines the importance of upholding one's dignity and moral values, even in the face of dire circumstances. It stresses that desperate situations should not be used as an excuse for unethical actions, as these would only bring contempt from virtuous and learned people. The mother's suffering mentioned in the verse symbolizes the extreme conditions that might push someone towards wrongful deeds. The verse strongly suggests that, irrespective of the severity of one's personal trials, maintaining righteousness should be paramount. In brief, this verse from Thiru Kural teaches us that no matter how desperate our circumstances, we should always strive to uphold our ethics and dignity, avoiding actions that would be considered disgraceful by the virtuous.