போதைப் பொருளைப் பயன்படுத்தி அறியேன் என்று பிறர்முன் சொல்வதை விட்டுவிடுக. ஏனெனில் மனத்துக்குள் மறைத்தது, நிதானம் தவறும்போது பெரிதாக வெளிப்பட்டு விடும்.

மது அருந்துவதே இல்லை என்று ஒருவன் பொய் சொல்ல முடியாது; காரணம், அவன் மது மயக்கத்தில் இருக்கும் போது அந்த உண்மையைச் சொல்லி விடுவான்

கள்ளுண்பவன் யான் ஒருபோதும் கள்ளுண்டறியேன் என்று சொல்வதை விட வேண்டும், நெஞ்சில் ஒளிந்திருந்த குற்றமும் கள்ளுண்டபோதே வெளிப்படும்.

Let (the drunkard) give up saying "I have never drunk"; (for) the moment (he drinks) he will simply betray his former attempt to conceal

Kural 928 is a striking commentary on the effects of intoxication, particularly in relation to the pretense of not having indulged in drinking. Thiruvalluvar, the author, advises individuals who indulge in intoxication to stop pretending that they have never tasted alcohol, as their behavior while under its influence will inevitably reveal the truth. The verse emphasizes the futility of deceit or denial about one's habits, especially those considered socially unacceptable or morally questionable. When someone gets intoxicated, their actions, speech, and demeanor change noticeably, often revealing the truth about their indulgence. This unveiling of truth happens despite their previous attempts to hide or deny their drinking habit. Moreover, the kural suggests that the deceit within oneself is not sustainable. It's not just about the social exposure but also about the internal conflict and self-deception that one goes through. It alludes to the moral aspect that truth cannot be hidden or suppressed and it finds its way out, especially when one's inhibitions are lowered, such as during intoxication. In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as a general critique of hypocrisy and deceit. It underscores the value of honesty and transparency, urging individuals to be true to themselves and others, instead of hiding behind a facade of falsehood.