76. The noble person does not yield when it comes to righteousness.
77. When seeing profit, think of righteousness; when facing danger, give one's life for the mission.
78. Wealth adorns the house; virtue adorns the body. A broad mind and a plump body indicate a true gentleman, who must be sincere in his intentions.
79. Rule without action.
80. The noble person associates with people but does not form cliques; the petty person forms cliques but does not associate broadly.
81. The noble person helps others fulfill their good intentions.
82. If substance exceeds elegance, it is rustic; if elegance exceeds substance, it is empty. Only when substance and elegance are in balance does one become a noble person.
83. When my services are needed, I act; when they are not, I withdraw.
84. One must keep one's word and ensure that actions yield results.
85. Do not repeat the same mistake.
86. A craftsman who wishes to do good work must first sharpen his tools.
87. Those who speak smoothly and look pleasant have little true benevolence.
88. Do not worry that others do not know you; worry instead that you have not acquired enough virtue and talent.
89. The Great Learning aims at clarifying bright virtue, serving the people, and resting at the highest goodness.
90. No one knows the faults of his own child, and no one knows the true extent of the fertility of his own fields.
91. Ask questions about every matter.
92. Even if others do not understand me, and I do not resent them, is that not the way of a noble person?
93. Being a ruler is difficult; being a minister is not easy.
94. To speak boldly without shame.
95. When he makes a mistake, everyone sees it; when he corrects it, everyone looks up to him.
96. If you do not know the affairs of the living, how can you know the affairs of the dead?
97. Once he comes, make him at home.
98. In poverty, do not seek to please; in wealth, do not be arrogant.
99. Do not speak while eating; do not speak while sleeping.
100. The wise love water; the benevolent love mountains. The wise are active; the benevolent are quiet. The wise are happy; the benevolent are long-lived.
101. Hearing one thing, understand ten.
102. Ride a fat horse and wear light fur robes.
103. Without learning etiquette, one cannot establish oneself in society.
104. When you wish to be established, help others to be established; when you wish to attain success, help others to attain success.
105. If you love him, can you not labor for him? If you are loyal to him, can you not teach him?
106. Virtue is never alone; it always has neighbors.
107. Show respect to ghosts and spirits, but keep them at a distance.
108. The wise are not confused; the benevolent are not anxious; the brave are not afraid.
109. A small lack of forbearance ruins great plans.
110. It is only in the cold of winter that one knows the pine and cypress are the last to lose their leaves.
111. In dealing with friends, one's word must be trustworthy.
112. To study and apply it regularly—is that not a pleasure? To have friends come from afar—is that not a joy?
113. Wealth and high position obtained by unjust means are like floating clouds to me.
114. Quick to learn and eager to ask, not ashamed to ask those of lower status.
115. Knowing what you know is knowledge; knowing what you do not know is wisdom.
116. Be diligent in action and cautious in speech.
117. Listen to his words and observe his actions.
118. Do not worry about being few in number but about inequality; do not worry about poverty but about insecurity.
119. If you plan, you succeed; if you do not plan, you fail.
120. At fifteen, I set my heart on learning; at thirty, I was established; at forty, I was no longer in doubt; at fifty, I knew the Mandate of Heaven; at sixty, my ear was attuned; at seventy, I did what my heart wished, not overstepping the line.
