தமக்குத் தீமை செய்தவர்க்கும் நன்மையே செய்யா விட்டால் சான்றான்மையினால் பயன்தான் என்ன?

தமக்குத் தீமை செய்வதற்கும் திரும்ப நன்மை செய்யாமல் விட்டுவிட்டால் சான்றாண்மை எனும் நல்ல பண்பு இருந்தும் அதனால் என்ன பயன்?

துன்பமானவற்றைச் செய்தவர்க்கும் இனிய உதவிகளைச் செய்யா விட்டால், சான்றோரின் சால்பு என்ன பயன் உடையதாகும்.

Of what avail is perfect goodness if it cannot do pleasing things even to those who have pained (it) ?

Thiru Kural 987 delves into the concept of benevolence, highlighting the essence of true goodness. It suggests that the real mark of virtue or goodness is not merely being good to those who are good to us, but also being kind and helpful to those who have caused harm or discomfort. In the verse, Valluvar states that if an individual refrains from extending kindness and good deeds to those who have been harmful towards them, then their claim to possess virtuous qualities or 'Saalpu', as mentioned in the verse, is pointless. The phrase 'Saalpu', in the cultural context, refers to the high moral character or virtue. The verse emphasizes that the real test of virtue lies in one's ability to maintain their goodness even in the face of adversity or harm caused by others. It's a call to rise above the common human tendency of revenge or tit-for-tat, and instead, respond with kindness and benevolence. This Kural encourages the practice of unconditional kindness or goodness, which is a central tenet of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It teaches that the true measure of a person's moral character is their capacity to maintain their benevolence, even when confronted with harm or ill-will. This, Valluvar suggests, is the pinnacle of virtuous living.