நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்து மலைபோல உயர்ந்தவரும்கூட தாழ்வானவற்றை ஒரு குன்றிமணி அளவு செய்தாலும் தாழ்ந்து போவார்.

குன்றினைப் போல் உயர்ந்து கம்பீரமாக நிற்பவர்களும் ஒரு குன்றிமணி அளவு இழிவான செயலில் ஈடுபட்டால் தாழ்ந்து குன்றிப் போய் விடுவார்கள்

மலை போல் உயர்ந்த நிலையில் உள்ளவரும், தாழ்வுக்கு காரணமானச் செயல்களை ஒரு குன்றிமனி அளவு செய்தாலும் தாழ்ந்து போய் விடுவர்.

Even those who are exalted like a hill will be thought low, if they commit deeds that are debasing

Kural 965 emphasizes the importance of integrity in maintaining one's respect and stature in society. It states that even individuals who stand tall and esteemed, akin to a mighty hill, will be perceived as low or debased if they partake in ignoble actions, even as small as a grain of sand. This verse teaches us that one's status or prestige in society is not just determined by their wealth, power, or lineage, but more importantly, by their actions and behavior. Even a small misstep or compromising act can tarnish their image and bring them down from their exalted position. It thus underscores the need for maintaining ethical conduct and honorable behavior, regardless of one's stature or position in society. The Kural serves as a reminder that dignity and respect are not inherent to one's status but are earned through one's virtues and deeds. It warns of the consequences of engaging in lowly acts, emphasizing that a person's actions define them more than their status or standing. The comparison to a hill and a grain of sand illustrates the stark contrast between the perceived and actual worth of a person when their actions are not in line with their stature. In essence, it is a moral lesson on the importance of personal integrity, ethical conduct, and the power of actions in defining one's character and reputation.