朱子家训的品读

(1)一粥一饭，当思来之不易。

半丝半缕，恒念物力维艰。

The growing of rice and of grain

Think on whenever you dine;

Remember how silk is obtained

Which keeps you warm and looks fine.

(2)宜未雨而绸缪，勿临渴而掘井。

In periods of drought

Wise birds mend their nest

So when the clouds burst

They snugly may rest;

Never be the fool

Who starts to dig a well in the ground

When he wants a drink of water

And water cant be found.

(3)与肩挑贸易毋占便宜，

与贫苦亲邻须加温恤。

Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;

Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends.

(4)居家戒争讼，讼则终凶;

处世戒多言，言多必失。

Dont take into court your family disputes,

Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;

To comport yourself well in society,

Restrain loose tongues impropriety.

(5)勿恃权势而凌孤寡;

勿贪口腹而恣杀性。

Use not your bow and arrow

To bully orphan and widow.

Do not dumb animals slaughter at will

Your appetite greedy to over fulfill.

(6)乖僻自是，悔悟必多;

颓惰自甘，家园终替。

Egocentric people grow

Much regret and sorrow;

Lazy, slothful people sow

Poverty tomorrow.

(7)施惠勿念;受恩莫忘。

In proclaiming your virtues go slow;

And be mindful of mercy you own.

(8)凡事当留余地，

得意不宜再往。

Leave room for retreat

When trying new feat.

You will try, try in vain

To repeat windfall gain.

(9)人有喜庆，不可生忌妒心;

人有祸患，不可生欣幸心。

Dont envy others success;

Dont gloat oer others distress.

(注：oer即over，为了译文的音律而采用缩略的形式)

(10)善欲人见，不是真善;

恶恐人知，便是大恶。

To brag of the good you have done

Will never impress anyone.

Personal scandals you try hard to hide

Will soon be known far and wide.