தம் திறமையில் செருக்குக் கொண்டு, தம் உடல் அழகைப் பலருக்கும் தந்து பணம் பெற விரும்பும் பாலிய தொழிலாளரின் தோளை, அறிவினால் தம் புகழைப் பரப்ப விரும்பும் பெரியோர் தீண்டமாட்டார்.

புகழ்ச்சிக்குரிய சான்றோர் எவரும், இகழ்ச்சிக்குரிய இன்பவல்லிகளின் தோளில் சாய்ந்து கிடக்க மாட்டார்

அழகு முதலியவற்றால் செருக்கு கொண்டு தம் புன்மையான நலத்தை விற்கும் பொது மகளிரின் தோளை, தம் நல்லோழுக்கத்தைப் போற்றும் சான்றோர் பொருந்தார்.

Those who would spread (the fame of) their own goodness will not desire the shoulders of those,who rejoice in their accomplishments and bestow their despicable favours (on all who pay)

Kural 916 emphasizes the dignity and self-respect of virtuous individuals. It highlights that those who wish to be known for their own goodness and moral excellence would not seek the support of those who take pride in their own vanity and sell their favors to anyone willing to pay. This verse draws a contrast between two types of individuals. On one hand, there are those who maintain their dignity by relying on their virtues and strive to spread their fame through their good deeds. On the other hand, there are those who rejoice in their own superficial accomplishments and offer their favors indiscriminately for material gain, disregarding their self-respect. The virtuous individuals, according to this Kural, maintain a distance from such people, as they believe in earning their fame and respect through their own good deeds and moral excellence, rather than depending on the support of those who compromise their dignity for materialistic pleasures. Therefore, Kural 916 teaches the importance of self-reliance, dignity, and the value of moral excellence. It discourages seeking support or favors from those who lack these virtues, even if they might seem to offer a quick path to fame or success. The Kural suggests that such shortcuts often come at the cost of one's self-respect and dignity.