12月29日

申文定公百字銘
西漢 朱買臣 ( ?~115 B.C.E.)

欲寡精神爽，思多血氣衰；
少杯不亂性，忍氣免傷財。
貴自勤中得，富從儉裡來；
溫柔終益己，強暴必招災。
善處真君子，刁唆是禍胎；
暗中休使箭，乖裡放些呆。
養性須修善，欺心莫吃齋；
衙門休出入，鄉黨要和諧。
安分身無辱，閒非口莫開；
世人依此語，災退福星來。

──選自《解人頤》

December 29

100-Word Inscription of Sheng Shih-Hsing
Zhu Maichen ( ? - 115 BCE, Western Han Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

Lessened desires means a clear mind;
Overthinking drains your energy.
Lesser drinks means controlled composure;
Restraining one's temper prevents loss of wealth.
Nobility is attained through diligent endeavors,
Wealth comes from frugality.
Gentleness and softness ultimately benefits oneself,
Force and violence will cause inevitable misfortune.
Friendliness makes one truly superior,
He who sows disaccord is a root of trouble.
Do not shoot an arrow into someone's back,
Appear slow-witted on top of deference.
Cultivation of the self cannot be done without virtue,
Seek no remedy for a deceitful mind in vegetarianism.
Avoid presence in a court of law,
Maintain harmony amongst relatives and friends.
Knowing one's place keeps one safe,
Speak cautiously especially with gossips.
Those who abide by these words,
Shall attract good fortunes and luck.

── from Jie Ren Yi (Making People Laugh)