According to Kural 660, “Protecting wealth acquired by wrongful means is like preserving water in an unbaked clay pot.”
This couplet warns that wealth or benefits gained through unethical or improper methods are not sustainable. Just as an unbaked clay pot cannot hold water for long, wealth gained dishonestly will eventually be lost or bring harm.
The teaching emphasizes the value of integrity and ethical conduct as essential foundations for lasting success and prosperity. குறள் 660:
சலத்தாற் பொருள்செய்தே மார்த்தல் பசுமண்
கலத்துணீர் பெய்திரீஇ யற்று #660
தக்கார் தகவிலர் என்ப தவரவர்
எச்சத்தாற் காணப் படும் #114
Thirukkural 114, states that the true nature of a person’s life—whether righteous or unrighteous—is revealed by their lasting legacy after death.
The legacy (property, children, influence) an individual leaves behind acts as a testament, providing evidence or proof of their commitment to the principle of fairness throughout their life.