Analects – Book Four

Analects 4.26

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Original Text:

子游曰事君数斯辱矣朋友数斯疏矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

Ziyou said, “Being overbearing in service to a lord will lead to disgrace, while in relating to friends and companions it will lead to estrangement.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Ziyou said Be too censorious in serving the ruler, and you will end up in disgrace. Be that way with your friends, and you will lose them.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.25

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Original Text:

子曰德不孤必有邻

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Virtue is never solitary; it always has neighbors.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, Virtue is not alone. It invariably has neighbors.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.24

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Original Text:

子曰君子欲讷于言而敏于行

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “The gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, The gentleman desires to be hesitant in speech but prompt in action.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.23

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Original Text:

子曰以约失之者鲜矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Very few go astray who comport themselves with restraint.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, Those who go wrong by holding back are few.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.22

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Original Text:

子曰古者言之不出耻躬之不逮也

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “People in ancient times were not eager to speak, because they would be ashamed if their actions did not measure up to their words.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, People in old times were sparing in their words. They were ashamed to think that their actions might not measure up.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.21

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Original Text:

子曰父母之年不可不知也一则以喜一则以惧

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “You must always be aware of the age of your parents. On the one hand, it is a cause for rejoicing, on the other a source of anxiety.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, You must not be ignorant of the age of your father and mother! For one thing, it is a cause for rejoicing; for another, a cause for fear.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.20

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Original Text:

子曰三年无改于父之道可谓孝矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “One who makes no changes to the ways of his father for three years after his father has passed away may be called a filial son.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, If after three years [a son] has not changed his father’s way of doing things, then you can call him filial.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.19

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Original Text:

子曰父母在不远游游必有方

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “While your parents are alive, you should not travel far, and when you do travel you must keep to a fixed itinerary.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, While his father and mother are alive, a son should not go on distant journeys. If he travels, he must have a fixed destination.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.18

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Original Text:

子曰事父母几谏见志不从又敬不违劳而不怨

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “In serving your parents you may gently remonstrate with them. However, once it becomes apparent that they have not taken your criticism to heart you should be respectful and not oppose them, and follow their lead diligently without resentment.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, In serving your father and mother, you may gently admonish them. But if you see they have no intention of listening to you, then be respectful as before and do not disobey them. You might feel distressed but should never feel resentful.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 4.17

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Original Text:

子曰见贤思齐焉见不贤而内自省也

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “When you see someone who is worthy, concentrate upon becoming their equal; when you see someone who is unworthy, use this as an opportunity to look within yourself.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, When you see a worthy person, think about how you can equal him. When you see an unworthy person, reflect on your own conduct.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.