Distinctly and smoothly they flow.
I must speak
clearly and to the point.
勿急疾。勿模糊。
If you talk too fast, no one will heed you;
The same if you mumble too low.
I must not talk too fast
or mumble.
彼说长。此说短。
Some like to talk about good points,
Others like to find faults, big and small.
Some like to talk about the good points of others,
while some like to talk about the faults of others.
不关己。莫闲管。
If something is none of your business,
Simply pay no attention at all.
If it is none of my business,
I will not get involved.
见人善。即思齐。纵去远。以渐跻。
When you see the good points of others, You should strive to
imitate them.
Though you don’t match up to them now. Persevere and one day
you’ll catch up.
When I see others do good deeds,
I must think about following their example.
纵去远。以渐跻。
Though you don’t match up to them now. Persevere and one day
you’ll catch up.
Even though my own achievements are still far behind those
of others,
I am getting closer.
见人恶。即内省。
When you notice bad habits in others,
Reflect on your own shortcomings.
When I see others do wrong,
I must immediately reflect upon myself.
有则改。无加警。
If you have the same faults, correct them.
If not, never let them arise.
If I have made the same mistake, I will correct it.
If not, I will take extra care to not make the same mistake.
唯德学。唯才艺。
If your virtue, learning and talents
Don’t measure up to others,
When my morals, conduct, knowledge,
and skills
不如人。当自砺。
Then spur yourself to work harder.
Accept nothing less than your best.
seem not as good as those of others,
I will encourage myself to be better.
若衣服。若饮食。
If your wardrobe is seldom in fashion
And your home is simple and plain,
If the clothes I wear,
and the food I eat and drink
不如人。勿生戚。
While your friends have the newest and finest,
Don’t be upset and never complain.
are not as good as that of others,
I should not be concerned.
闻过怒。闻誉乐。
If you’re angry when told of your faults,
And happy when praise comes your way,