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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