குணங்களால் சிறந்த பெரியவர்கள் சினங்கொள்வார் என்றால், பலத்தால் சிறந்த வாழ்க்கையும், பெரும்பொருளும் எதற்கு ஆகும்?

பெருஞ்செல்வம் குவித்துக்கொண்டு என்னதான் வகைவகையான வாழ்க்கைச் சுகங்களை அனுபவித்தாலும், தகுதி வாய்ந்த பெரியோரின் கோபத்துக்கு முன்னால் அவையனைத்தும் பயனற்றுப் போகும்

தகுதியால் சிறப்புற்ற பெரியவர் ஒருவனை வெகுண்டால் அவனுக்கு பலவகையால் மாண்புற்ற வாழ்க்கையும் பெரும் பொருளும் இருந்தும் என்ன பயன்.

If a king incurs the wrath of the righteous great, what will become of his government with its splendid auxiliaries and (all) its untold wealth ?

This verse, Kural 897, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with righteous and virtuous individuals, particularly for those in positions of power such as kings. It warns that even with immense wealth and a prosperous reign, if a ruler manages to invoke the anger or disapproval of virtuous individuals, then the magnificence of his rule and all his material possessions may become meaningless. The verse underscores the value of righteousness and virtue over material possessions and superficial power. It points out that the wrath of virtuous individuals can bring about the downfall of even the most powerful rulers. This is because, in Thiruvalluvar's worldview, moral righteousness and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of a well-functioning society. In essence, the verse advises rulers and people in power to not only focus on accumulating wealth or living a life of luxury but also strive to act justly and earn the respect of virtuous individuals. It suggests that the approval of the righteous is a greater asset than all the wealth in the world. The message is not exclusive to rulers but extends to anyone, indicating that wealth and power are futile if one lacks moral integrity and respect from virtuous individuals.