弟子規 Di Zi Gui - Guide To A Happy Life

Chapter 1 – At Home, Be Dutiful to My Parents
Chapter 2 – Standards for a Younger Brother When Away from Home
Chapter 3 – Be Cautious in My Daily Life
Chapter 4 – Be Trustworthy
Chapter 5 – Love All Equally
Chapter 6 – Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion
Chapter 7 – After All the Above are Accomplished, I Should Study Further And Learn Literature and Art to Improve My Cultural and Spiritual Life

Chapter 4 – Be Trustworthy

When I speak, honesty is important. Deceitful words and lies must not be tolerated.

Rather than talking too much, it is better to speak less. I will speak only the truth, I will not twist the facts.

Cunning words, foul language, and philistine habits must be avoided at all costs.

What I have not seen with my own eyes, I will not readily tell to others. What I do not know for sure, I will not easily pass on to others.

If I am asked to do something that is inappropriate or bad, I must not agree to it. If I do, I will be doubly wrong.

I must speak clearly and to the point. I must not talk too fast or mumble.

Some like to talk about the good points of others, while some like to talk about the faults of others. If it is none of my business, I will not get involved.

When I see others do good deeds, I must think about following their example. Even though’ my own achievements are still far behind those of others, I am getting closer.

When I see others do wrong, I must immediately reflect upon myself. If I have made the same mistake, I will correct it. If not, I will take extra care to not make the same mistake.

When my morals, conduct, knowledge, and skills seem not as good as those of others, I will encourage myself to be better.

If the clothes I wear, and the food I eat and drink are not as good as that of others, I should not be concerned.

If criticism makes me angry and compliments make me happy, bad company will come my way and good friends will shy away.

If I am uneasy about compliments and appreciative of criticism, then sincere, understanding, and virtuous people will gradually come close to me.

If any mistake I make is inadvertent, it is merely a mistake. If it is done on purpose, however, it is an evil act.

If I correct my mistake and do not repeat it, I no longer own the mistake. If I try to cover it up, I will be doubly wrong.

Glossary
Established date: 03/06/10
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