Analects 15.27

Original Text:

子曰巧言乱德小不忍则乱大谋

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Clever words confound Virtue, and impatience when it comes to small matters confounds the execution of great plans.”

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

The Master said, Clever words are the disrupters of virtue. Lack patience in minor matters, and you may disrupt larger schemes.

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