事穷势蹙之人，当原其初心；功成行满之士，要观其末路。

 

【译文】对于在事业上遭受失败、事事不顺心的人，应当体谅他当初的本意是为了奋发上进；对于事业成功感到万事圆满的人，要看他在以后的道路上能否保住晚节。 

 

【英文译文】When judging a person who has encountered misfortune and hardships, it is necessary to understand the aspirations and ambitions he set out with. When judging a person who has achieved success, it is necessary to examine whether he maintains his moral integrity in his old age.

（保罗·怀特 译）

 

To judge a man who has suffered failure and is now down and out, it is better to look into his original intentions at the outset. To comment on a man who has made complete success, it is better to examine his integrity in the last past of his life.

（周文标 译）

 

 

忧勤是美德，太苦则无以适性怡情；澹泊是高风，太枯是无以济人利物。

 

【译文】勤劳多思是一种美德，但如果过于认真把自己弄得太苦，就无助于调适自己的性情而使生活失去乐趣；淡泊寡欲本来是一种高尚的情操，但如果过分逃避社会，就无法对他人他事有所帮助了。 

 

【英文译文】Exerting yourself to do a good job is a fine moral trait. But if you make yourself too miserable in the process, then your own ease of mind becomes impossible. Indifference to wealth and power is a noble quality. But if you are a bit too passive, then you will not be able to assist people or to benefit society.

（保罗·怀特 译）

 

To spare no effort in performing one’s duties is a good virtue; but if one overstrains oneself in doing so, it will be of no help to cheering the mind and pleasing the feelings. To preserve a pure heart and few desires is a noble character; but if overdone, it will be of no worth for the benefit of the people and of the world.

（周文标 译）

 

 

处世不必邀功，无过便是功；与人不求感德，无怨便是德。

 

【译文】人生在世不必想方设法去强取功劳，其实只要没有过错就算是功劳；救助人不必希望对方感恩戴德，只要对方不怨恨自己就算恩德。

 

【英文译文】In conducting yourself, do not expect to accomplish the greatest things; so long as you do not make mistakes, you make achievements. When treating others with kindness, do not expect gratitude in return; so long as you do not cause resentment, that is gratitude enough.

（保罗·怀特 译）

 

In conducting yourself, do not take credit for other achievements; it is creditable to go without blame. When bestowing favors, do not expect gratitude in return; it is grateful to go without enmity from others.

（周文标 译）