செய்யும் வழி தெரியாத அறிவற்றவன் ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யத் தொடங்கினால் செயலும் கெட்டு, அவனும் கெட்டுப் போவான்.

நேர்மை வழி அறியாத மூடர், மேற்கொண்ட செயலைத் தொடர முடியாமல், அதனால் அச்செயலும் கெட்டுத் தம்மையும் தண்டித்துக் கொள்வர்

ஒழுக்க நெறி அறியத பேதை ஒருச் செயலை மேற்கொண்டால் (அந்த செயல் முடிவுபெறாமல்) பொய்படும், அன்றியும் அவன் குற்றவாளியாகித் தளை பூணுவான்.

If the fool, who knows not how to act undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail (But) is it all ? He will even adorn himself with fetters

This verse from the Thiru Kural delivers a strong cautionary message about the dangers of undertaking a task without the proper knowledge or understanding. It emphasizes that ignorance and incompetence can not only lead to failure, but can also result in dire consequences for the individual, symbolized here as fetters or chains. The verse speaks of a 'fool' - a person who lacks the necessary wisdom or knowledge to perform a task appropriately. When such a person undertakes a task, they are bound to fail because they do not know the right way to go about it. However, the consequences do not stop at failure. The verse warns that the fool's ignorance may lead him to greater troubles, represented metaphorically as 'adorning himself with fetters'. This could mean that his actions could lead to punishment, shame, or further complications. The verse is a reminder of the importance of knowledge, understanding, and skill in any endeavor. It encourages individuals to acquire these qualities before embarking on any task, to avoid failure and negative consequences. It also highlights the potential downside of overconfidence and reckless action without proper understanding. In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as advocating for a thoughtful and informed approach to life, where actions are guided by knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, rather than ignorance and haste. It promotes a culture of learning and preparation, underlining the risks of ignorance and the value of knowledge.