If I do not ask,
it is stealing.
借人物。及时还。后有急。借不难。
If you must borrow something from another, Make sure you
return it on time.
If someone asks you for something, Loan it to them as soon
as you can.
When borrowing things from others,
I will return them promptly.
后有急。借不难。
If someone asks you for something, Loan it to them as soon
as you can.
Later, if I have an urgent need,
I will not have a problem borrowing from them again.
第四章 信
Chapter 4 On Being Honest
Chapter 4 Be Trustworthy
凡出言。信为先。
Whatever it is that you say,
You should speak so that you can be trusted.
When I speak,
honesty is important.
诈与妄。奚可焉。
Tell the truth so others can believe you.
To lie is against human nature.
Deceitful words and lies
must not be tolerated.
话说多。不如少。
To talk just a little is better
Than to chatter non-stop all day long.
Rather than talking too much,
it is better to speak less.
惟其是。勿佞巧。
Talk only about what you’re sure of;
Avoid cunning or flowery words.
I will speak only the truth,
I will not twist the facts.
奸巧语。秽污词。
Don’t use words to be mean and cruel,
Or speak about things that are coarse.
Cunning words,
foul language, and
市井气。切戒之。
Let your language be pure and correct.
Stay away from all that’s unworthy.
philistine habits
must be avoided at all costs.
见未真。勿轻言。
If you haven’t seen something quite clearly,
Don’t speak of it as if you know.
What I have not seen with my own eyes,
I will not readily tell to others.
知未的。勿轻传。
If you’re not sure about what exactly happened,
Don’t spread rumors around.
What I do not know for sure,
I will not easily pass on to others.
事非宜。勿轻诺。
When you know something is wrong,
Do not simply follow along.
If I am asked to do something that is inappropriate or bad,
I must not agree to do it.
茍轻诺。进退错。
If you just go along with the crowd,
You’re bound to make a mistake.
If I do, I will be doubly wrong.
凡道字。重且舒。
When you speak, say the words clearly;