மனைவியிடம் பணிந்து போகும் பயம் ஒருவனிடம் இருந்தால், இது இல்லாத நல்லவர் முன்னே அவனுக்கு எப்போதும் வெட்கத்தைக் கொடுக்கும்.

நற்குணமில்லாத மனைவியைத் திருத்த முனையாமல் பணிந்து போகிற கணவன், நல்லோர் முன்னிலையில் நாணமுற்று நிற்கும் நிலைக்கு ஆளாக நேரிடும்

மனைவியிடத்தில் தாழ்ந்து நடக்கும் இழிந்த தன்மை ஒருவனுக்கு எப்போதும் நல்லவரிடையே இருக்கும் போது நாணத்தைச் தரும்.

The frailty that stoops to a wife will always make (her husband) feel ashamed among the good

This couplet, Kural 903, speaks about the importance of maintaining respect and balance in a marital relationship. It suggests that a husband who continually submits to a wife without good virtues, in other words, who lets himself be dominated by an unvirtuous wife, will always feel a sense of shame in the presence of the virtuous people. This verse is not about gender superiority or inferiority, but it emphasizes on the significance of virtues and righteousness in a person, regardless of their gender. In a broader perspective, the verse advocates for mutual respect and equality in a relationship, where neither party should stoop low or be submissive to the other. It encourages individuals to stand up for what is right and virtuous, even if it means going against the wishes of a loved one. This can be seen as a call for moral courage in personal relationships. The verse also highlights the societal perception of such relationships, where one party is dominated by the other, indicating that it will cause embarrassment in front of those who uphold virtues and good values. Hence, it encourages maintaining mutual respect and balance in relationships. In essence, this Thiru Kural verse teaches us that we should not compromise our dignity and self-respect for the sake of pleasing others, even if the other person is our life partner. It encourages us to hold on to our principles and good virtues, which ultimately earns us respect among virtuous people.