5. 弟子規 第四章 信

（四）信

Being Trustworthy

凡出言。信為先。詐與妄。奚可焉。

When we speak, honesty counts the most. Deceit and lies are unacceptable. 

話說多。不如少。惟其是。勿佞巧。

It is better to talk a little than chat too much. Tell the truth and do not speak insincerely. 

奸巧語。穢污詞。市井氣。切戒之。

Cunning, deceptive speech and foul language should never be used. We should never conduct ourselves in an unruly manner. 

見未真。勿輕言。知未的。勿輕傳。

We should not readily talk about something we have not seen for it may not be the whole truth. We should not readily pass on to others what we do not know for sure. 

事非宜。勿輕諾。茍輕諾。進退錯。

If someone asks us to do something and we are not sure whether it is appropriate, we should not carelessly promise. If we do promise to do something [and it is inappropriate], we will be wrong whether we keep or break our promise. 

凡道字。重且舒。勿急疾。勿模糊。

When speaking, say each word unhurriedly, clearly and correctly. Do not mumble or talk too fast. 

彼說長。此說短。不關己。莫閒管。

Some people like to gossip and comment on the faults or good points of others. But if something does not concern us, we should not get involved. 

見人善。即思齊。縱去遠。以漸躋。

When we see the goodness of others, we should encourage ourselves to learn from them. Even if we are far behind them, gradually we will achieve as they have. 

見人惡。即內省。有則改。無加警。

When we see the faults of others, we should reflect on our own behaviour. If we have the same fault, correct it. If we do not have this fault, we should always be alert and not make the same mistake. 

唯德學。唯才藝。不如人。當自礪。

When our morals, knowledge and skills are not as good as those of others, we should encourage ourselves to try harder. 

若衣服。若飲食。不如人。勿生戚。

If the clothes we wear and the food we eat are not as good as those of others, do not feel sad. 

聞過怒。聞譽樂。損友來。益友卻。

If criticism makes us angry and compliments make us happy, we will attract bad company, while good friends will leave us. 

聞譽恐。聞過欣。直諒士。漸相親。

If we are appreciative of criticism and uneasy with compliments, people who are virtuous, sincere and trustworthy will gradually become our friends. 

無心非。名為錯。有心非。名為惡。

If we accidentally make a mistake, it is only an error. But if we do it on purpose, it is definitely wrong.  

過能改。歸於無。倘揜飾。增一辜。

If we correct our faults and mistakes and do not repeat them, they will cease. But if we try to cover them up, we will be doubly wrong.