பெருமை உடையவர் செருக்கு இல்லாமல் பணிவுடன் இருப்பர்; சிறுமை உடையவரோ செருக்குடன் தம்மைத் தாமே வியந்து பாராட்டுவர்.

பண்புடைய பெரியோர் எல்லோரிடமும் எப்பொழுதும் பணிவுடன் பழகுவார்கள்; பண்பு இல்லாத சிறியோர், தம்மைத் தாமே புகழ்ந்து கொண்டு இறுமாந்து கிடப்பார்கள்

பெருமைப் பண்பு எக்காலத்திலும் பணிந்து நடக்கும், ஆனால் சிறுமையோ தன்னைத் தானே வியந்துப் பாராட்டிக் கொள்ளும்.

The great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in self-admiration

Kural 978 emphasizes the contrasting behaviors of the noble and the ignoble, underlining the virtues of humility and the vices of arrogance. The verse asserts that those who possess inherent greatness or nobility will always conduct themselves with humility, regardless of their circumstances or the company they find themselves in. They do not seek to assert their superiority or demand recognition for their virtues. Instead, they choose to downplay their accomplishments, maintaining a demeanor of modesty and respect towards all. This humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of their strength and character. On the contrary, those of a lower character or the mean-spirited, often find themselves inflated with self-praise and arrogance. They are quick to boast about their abilities or achievements, seeking validation and admiration from others. They tend to exalt themselves, often overestimating their worth and capabilities. This behavior is indicative of their insecurities and their lack of genuine substance or value. Through this verse, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the importance of humility as a marker of true greatness. It serves as a reminder that genuine worth does not require validation or recognition from others, and that arrogance is often a cover for underlying deficiencies. It also acts as a guide for personal conduct, encouraging humility and discouraging self-glorification.