எலும்பு இல்லாத புழுவை வெயில் காய்ந்து கொள்வது போல அன்பு இல்லாத உயிரை அறக்கடவுள் காய்ந்து கொல்லும்.

அறம் எதுவென அறிந்தும் அதனைக் கடைப்பிடிக்காதவரை, அவரது மனச்சாட்சியே வாட்டி வதைக்கும் அது வெயிலின் வெம்மை புழுவை வாட்டுவதுபோல இருக்கும்

எலும்பு இல்லாத உடம்போடு வாழும் புழுவை வெயில் காய்ந்து வருத்துவது போல் அன்பு இல்லாத உயிரை அறம் வருத்தும்.

Virtue will burn up the soul which is without love, even as the sun burns up the creature which is without bone, ie worms

Kural 77 delves into the profound interrelationship between love (anbu) and virtue (aram). The verse argues that without love, virtue can become a source of internal torment, rather akin to the suffering of a boneless creature exposed to the harsh sun. The metaphor of a boneless creature, such as a worm, is used to portray the vulnerability and defenselessness of a soul devoid of love. Just as a worm lacks the necessary protection against the scorching sun, a soul without love lacks the essential substance to withstand the demanding aspects of virtue. Virtue, in this context, is seen as a rigorous path that demands self-sacrifice, service, and integrity. While these attributes are indeed admirable, without the cushioning effect of love, they can lead to a sense of harshness, rigidity, and self-inflicted pain. Therefore, the verse emphasizes the importance of love as a quintessential component in the practice of virtue. Love softens the edges, provides motivation, and gives meaning to our virtuous actions. It acts as the 'bone' or the supportive structure that helps us endure and flourish in our moral journey. Without love, virtue could become a burning sun, leading to spiritual discomfort and exhaustion. In essence, Kural 77 teaches us that love is not just an emotion but a necessary ingredient in our ethical conduct, making our pursuit of virtue a joyful and fulfilling experience rather than a burdensome task. It urges us to foster love in our hearts, for it is the foundation upon which the edifice of virtue stands firm.