Analects 19.11
Original Text:
子夏曰大德不逾闲小德出入可也
Translation:
Other Translations:
Zixia said, “As long as one does not transgress the bounds when it comes to important Virtues, it is permissible to cross the line here and there when it comes to minor Virtues.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Zixia said, If in regard to the major virtues you do not overstep the line, in regard to the minor virtues you may be permitted a little coming and going.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.