ஒரு செயலைத் தொடங்கி விட்டு, அதன் நலத்திற்குப் பொருந்தாதவற்றைச் செய்யும் அரசின் பகைமையைச், சிலவற்றை அழியக் கொடுத்தாவது உறுதியாகப் பெற வேண்டும்.

தன்னோடு இருந்துகொண்டே தனக்குப் பொருந்தாத காரியங்களைச் செய்து கொண்டிருப்பவனைப் பொருள் கொடுத்தாவது பகைவனாக்கிக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்

தன்னை அடுத்துத் தன்னோடிருந்தும் பொருந்தாதவற்றைச் செய்பவனுடைய பகையைப் பொருள் கொடுத்தாவது கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

It is indeed necessary to obtain even by purchase the hatred of him who having begun (a work) does what is not conductive (to its accomplishment)

The Kural 867 emphasizes the necessity to distance oneself from individuals who initiate a task and then indulge in activities that are counterproductive to its successful completion. It goes to the extent of advising that one should be willing to pay a price, if necessary, to earn the enmity of such a person - for their detrimental actions can lead to the undermining of the task's objectives, and potentially cause harm or loss. The verse reiterates the importance of aligning one's actions with the goal at hand. When someone is involved in a task, their actions and decisions should be conducive to the successful completion of that task. If their actions are counterproductive, it not only hampers the progress of the task, but also affects the team or individuals associated with it. In essence, the verse is an advice to avoid association with individuals who do not contribute positively towards a common goal. Their negative impact could be so severe that it might be worth paying a price to sever ties with them. This is true in various realms of life, be it personal relationships, professional partnerships or leadership and governance.