The destitute will renounce desire (and become ascetics), if (fate) do not make them suffer the hindrances to which they are liable, and they pass away.
வரவேண்டிய துன்பங்கள் வந்து வருத்தாமல் நீங்குமானால், நுகரும் பொருள் இல்லாத வறியவர் துறவறம் மேற்கொள்வர்.
Meaning in English
The destitute will renounce desire (and become ascetics), if (fate) do not make them suffer the hindrances to which they are liable, and they pass away.
Thirukkural 378 belongs to the virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) section, chapter Other (ஊழ்). Written by the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar (திருவள்ளுவர்), it teaches timeless wisdom about virtue.