உட்பகைக்கு அஞ்சித் தன்னைக் காத்துக் கொள்க; காக்காது போனால் நமக்குத் தளர்வு வந்தபோது, மண்கலத்தை அறுக்கும் கைக்கருவிபோல உட்பகையானவர் நம்மை உறுதியாக அழித்து விடுவர்.

உட்பகைக்கு அஞ்சி ஒருவன் தன்னைப் பாதுகாத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும் இல்லாவிட்டால் ஒரு சோதனையான நேரத்தில் பச்சை பாண்டத்தை அறுக்கும் கருவிபோல அந்த உட்பகை அழிவு செய்துவிடும்

உட்பகைக்கு அஞ்சி ஒருவன் தன்னைக் காத்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும், தளர்ச்சி வந்த போது மட்கலத்தை அறுக்கும் கருவி போல் அந்த உட்பகை தவறாமல் அழிவு செய்யும்.

Fear internal enmity and guard yourself; (if not) it will destroy (you) in an evil hour, as surely as the tool which cuts the potter's clay

Kural 883 emphasizes the importance of being cautious about internal enmity or conflicts within oneself. It points out that these internal struggles can be as dangerous and destructive as an external enemy, if not more. The verse uses the metaphor of a tool that cuts the potter's clay. The clay, when in the hands of the potter, has the potential to be shaped into a beautiful pot or vessel. However, if a tool cuts through it at the wrong time, the clay loses its potential and is destroyed. Similarly, if a person does not guard against their internal conflicts and struggles, they can be destroyed at a vulnerable moment, just like the potter's clay. This Kural encourages us to be aware of and manage our internal struggles effectively. It could refer to a range of internal conflicts, from self-doubt and anxiety to greed and jealousy. These internal enemies, if left unchecked, can lead to one's downfall, especially when they strike during times of weakness or crisis. Therefore, it's critical to be vigilant about these internal struggles and to take steps to manage them effectively, to prevent them from causing harm during crucial moments in life. The Kural advises that fear of these internal enemies can be a motivating factor in guard oneself against them. The moral of this verse is about self-awareness, self-management, and the importance of maintaining mental and emotional balance, to lead a successful and fulfilling life. As such, it remains highly relevant even today.