该句使用定语从句修饰主语，强调了外表浮夸与内在空虚之间的对比，以及由此引发的负面后果。
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a minister named Yang Chufu serving Duke Xiang of Jin. He was known for his endless chatter and his habit of lecturing others, always putting on an air of immense knowledge and scholarship.
On one occasion, Duke Xiang sent him on a diplomatic mission to other feudal states. On his way back, Yang Chufu passed through Ning City in the state of Lu.
A man in Ning City named Ning Ying conversed with him and, impressed by his apparent erudition, decided to travel with him for a while. However, after only a few days, Ning Ying’s wife was puzzled when he returned home so early and asked why he had come back so quickly.
Ning Ying replied, “After spending a few days with Yang Chufu, I realized that he is like a tree that blooms beautifully but never bears fruit.”
Ning Ying sighed with deep feeling and said, “Those who are flashy but empty of substance are the targets of resentment.”
His wife asked, “Why do you say that?”
Ning Ying explained, “Yang Chufu speaks fluently and convincingly. At first glance, he seems highly knowledgeable, which easily inspires admiration. But after prolonged interaction, one discovers that he is merely superficial, lacking true talent. Over time, his true nature is exposed. Once the truth comes to light, others will naturally harbor resentment. As this resentment accumulates, following him further would not only bring no benefit but might even drag me into trouble. Therefore, I chose to return early.”
As Ning Ying had foreseen, one year later, Yang Chufu was killed precisely because his words were flashy but devoid of substance.
This story highlights the critical importance of choosing friends wisely.
Selecting the right companion brings a lifetime of happiness, while choosing the wrong one can be a disaster, potentially even leading to one's demise.
春秋战国时期，晋襄公手下有一位大臣名叫阳处父。此人平时喜好高谈阔论，总摆出一副满腹经纶的架势，喜欢自以为是地教训他人。
有一次，晋襄公派他出使其他诸侯国。阳处父归来时，途经鲁国的宁城。
宁城里有一位名叫宁赢的人，与阳处父交谈后，深感其学识渊博，便打算结伴同行。然而，才走了几天，宁赢的妻子见他早早归来，心中甚感疑惑，便问道：“为何回来得如此之快？”
宁赢答道：“我与阳处父相处数日，发现他就像一棵树，花虽开得艳丽，却从不结果。”
宁赢叹息一声，感慨道：“华而不实，怨之所聚也。”
妻子不解，问：“为何要说这样的话？”
宁赢解释道：“阳处父此人说话滔滔不绝，头头是道，初接触时令人倍感其学识深厚，易生好感甚至敬佩；但若相处日久，便会发现他其实华而不实，并无真才实学。时间一长，此人必然露出底细。一旦真相大白，旁人定会心生怨恨。积怨日深，我若继续跟随他，不仅无益，反而可能受到牵连。因此，我便提前返回了。”
事实证明，宁赢所言非虚。一年后，阳处父正因言语浮夸、华而不实而遭人诛杀。
由此可见，人际交往中，选择朋友至关重要。
选对朋友，是一生的福祉；选错朋友，则是一场灾难，甚至可能危及生命。