Analects 12.23
Original Text:
子贡问友子曰忠告而善道之不可则止毋自辱焉
Translation:
Other Translations:
Zigong asked about friendship.
The Master replied, “Reprove your friend when dutifulness requires, but do so gently. If your words are not accepted then desist, lest you incur insult.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Zigong asked how to deal with friends. The Master said, Advise them in a loyal manner; lead them with goodness. But if you get nowhere, then stop. No use to bring shame on yourself.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.