குடும்பத்திற்கு அக உறுப்பாகிய அன்பு இல்லாவதர்களுக்கு வெளி உறுப்பாக விளங்கும் இடம், பொருள், ஏவல் என்பன என்ன பயனைத் தரும்?

அன்பு எனும் அகத்து உறுப்பு இல்லாதவர்க்குப் புறத்து உறுப்புகள் அழகாக இருந்து என்ன பயன்?

உடம்பின் அகத்து உறுப்பாகிய அன்பு இல்லாதவர்க்கு உடம்பின் புறத்து உறுப்புக்கள் எல்லாம் என்ன பயன் செய்யும்.

Of what avail are all the external members (of the body) to those who are destitute of love, the internal member

This Thiru Kural verse emphasizes the primacy of love or compassion as an essential human trait. The verse states, "Of what avail are all the external members (of the body) to those who are destitute of love, the internal member." The verse metaphorically contrasts the physical parts of the body (external members) with the emotion of love (internal member). The "external members" represent the physicality of a person, including their appearance, actions, and material possessions. In contrast, the "internal member" signifies the emotional and moral aspects of a person, particularly the virtue of love. Thiruvalluvar, the author, questions the value of physical attributes and material possessions in the absence of love. He implies that without love, all other aspects of a person lose their significance. Regardless of one's physical beauty, wealth, or status, if they lack love or compassion, these external features are of no value. The verse thus underscores the importance of nurturing inner virtues like love and compassion, which are more valuable and essential than external, material possessions. It is a reminder that the true measure of a person lies not in their outward appearance or wealth, but in their capacity for love and kindness.