A gentleman does not recommend a man because of his words, nor does he discard a man's valuable words because of his character.
A gentleman does not elevate a person solely based on what he says, nor does he reject a person's worthwhile advice simply because of that person's shortcomings.
A gentleman plans for the Way, not for food. In farming, hunger is often present; in learning, salary is often present. A gentleman worries about the Way, not about poverty.
A gentleman pursues and promotes the Way, rather than seeking material sustenance. Engaging in farming often leads to hunger, whereas dedicated learning can lead to a salary. A gentleman is concerned with the fulfillment of the Way, not with personal poverty.
A gentleman is not to be employed in minor details but can be entrusted with great responsibilities; a petty man cannot be entrusted with great responsibilities but can be employed in minor details.
A gentleman first practices what he preaches, and then speaks it.
A gentleman first puts his words into practice, and only when he has truly achieved it, does he share it with others.
A gentleman has three fears: he fears Heaven's mandate, he fears those of high station, and he fears the words of the sages. A petty man knows not the mandate of Heaven and does not fear it; he treats those of high station with familiarity, and he belittles the words of the sages.
A gentleman has three things to fear: he fears the mandate of Heaven, he fears persons of high rank, and he fears the teachings of the sages. A petty man does not understand the mandate of Heaven and therefore does not fear it; he disrespects persons of high rank and insults the words of the sages.
A gentleman has three warnings: in youth, when the vital energy is not yet settled, one should be wary of sexual desire; in middle age, when the vital energy is vigorous, one should be wary of quarreling; in old age, when the vital energy is declining, one should be wary of acquisitiveness.
A gentleman has three things to guard against: in youth, when the blood and qi are not yet stable, one should avoid being enticed by sensual pleasures; in middle age, when the blood and qi are robust and strong, one should avoid engaging in conflicts; in old age, when the blood and qi have weakened, one should avoid the greed for gain.
A gentleman has nine thoughts: when seeing, he thinks of clarity; when hearing, he thinks of keenness; when regarding color, he thinks of gentleness; when regarding appearance, he thinks of respect; when speaking, he thinks of loyalty; when acting, he thinks of reverence; when in doubt, he thinks of asking; when angry, he thinks of the consequences; when seeing gain, he thinks of righteousness.
A gentleman reflects on nine matters: whether he sees clearly; whether he listens attentively; whether his complexion is mild; whether his demeanor is respectful; whether his words are loyal; whether his actions are cautious; whether he asks for clarification when in doubt; whether he considers the potential harm when angry; and whether he considers righteousness when seeing profit.
A gentleman is firm in his integrity but not bound by petty credit.
A gentleman adheres steadfastly to the righteous path and may therefore not be constrained by trivial promises.
Not knowing the mandate, one cannot be a gentleman. Not knowing propriety, one cannot stand firm. Not knowing trustworthiness, one cannot truly know others.
Without understanding the Mandate of Heaven, one cannot become a gentleman; without understanding ritual propriety, one cannot establish oneself in society; without discerning the sincerity of others' words, one cannot truly understand people.
The Xiang Commentary states: "The movement of Heaven is vigorous; the superior man thereby makes himself unremittingly strong. The position of the earth is receptive; the superior man with broad virtue carries all things."
It is said in the Xiang Commentary: The movement of the Heaven is vigorous; the noble person takes Heaven as his model and thus strives for self-improvement without rest. The momentum of the Earth is broad and compliant; the noble person follows the example of the Earth, broadening his virtue to bear all things.
