மலை ஒத்த ஆற்றல் உடைய பெரியவர், ஒருவரை அழிக்க எண்ணிவிட்டால், அவர் எண்ணிய அளவிலேயே இப்பூமியில் நிலைபெற்று வாழ்பவர் போன்றோரும், தம் குடியோடும்கூட அழிவர்.

மலை போன்றவர்களின் பெருமையைக் குலைப்பதற்கு நினைப்பவர்கள், நிலைத்த பெரும் செல்வமுடையவர்களாக இருப்பினும் அடியோடு அழிந்து போய் விடுவார்கள்

மலை போன்ற பெரியவர் கெட நினைத்தால். உலகில் அழியாமல் நிலைபெற்றாற் போல் உள்ளவரும் தம் குடியோடு அழிவர்.

If (the) hill-like (devotees) resolve on destruction, those who seemed to be everlasting will be destroyed root and branch from the earth

This verse from Thiru Kural, Kural 898, presents a profound truth about the power of will and the dynamics of karma. It is a warning to those who would attempt to undermine or challenge the integrity and strength of the wise and noble, likened here to a 'hill.' The verse suggests that if anyone contemplates causing harm or destruction to those who are virtuous and strong in character (referred to as 'hill-like devotees'), they would face severe repercussions. Even if they appear to be well-established and prosperous in the world (the 'everlasting'), they would be uprooted and destroyed completely ('root and branch') from the earth. The moral here is a note on the law of karma, which states that every action has consequences. If one tries to harm or belittle the virtuous and noble, it would ultimately lead to their own downfall. It is a reminder to respect the integrity and virtue of others, and to be cautious of our actions, as they inevitably come back to us in some form. It is also noteworthy that the verse uses the metaphor of a 'hill' for the wise and virtuous. This symbolizes their steadfastness, strength, and immovability, reflecting their strong moral character and deep-rooted values. In summary, this verse teaches us the importance of respecting the virtuous, the consequences of ill-will, and the power of karma.