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The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in
his
actions.
[The superior man] acts before he speaks, and afterwards
speaks according to his actions.
Speak the truth, do not yield to anger;
give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go
near the gods.
If language is not correct, then what is said is not what
is meant; if what is said is not what is meant, then what must be done
remains undone; if this remains undone, morals and art will deteriorate;
if justice goes astray, the people will stand about in helpless
confusion. Hence there must be no arbitrariness in what is said. This
matters above everything.
It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot
teach his own family.
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to
make his words good.
To see and listen to the wicked is already
the beginning of wickedness.
Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom
associated with true virtue.
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
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