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Modern interpretation

Good partners can increase your strength, but good work is what brings lasting benefits and fulfills your aims. A supportive team may help you start a project, but careful, honest work is what makes it succeed.

Modern interpretation

Avoid actions that bring neither a good reputation nor lasting benefit. Before joining a scheme, ask whether it helps anyone or leaves you ashamed later.

Modern interpretation

If you want to grow in respect, avoid choices that damage your good name. A student who refuses to cheat protects the trust they are building.

Modern interpretation

Clear-minded people do not choose disgraceful acts even in hardship. When money is tight, someone may still refuse to lie or exploit others for quick relief.

Modern interpretation

Do not choose actions you will later regret; if you make such a mistake, learn from it and do not repeat it. After sending a hurtful message, apologize and change how you speak.

Modern interpretation

Even urgent need does not justify an act honorable people condemn. Someone struggling to feed family should seek honest help rather than steal from another vulnerable person.

Modern interpretation

Honest poverty is better than wealth gained by wrongdoing. A young worker is better off earning modestly than getting rich by scamming customers.

Modern interpretation

A forbidden act can still bring suffering even if it succeeds at first. Money gained by cheating may later bring fear, legal trouble, or shame.

Modern interpretation

Wealth taken by making others suffer will leave amid suffering, while honestly earned wealth can bear fruit even after a setback. A fair business can recover after a bad season; money taken from workers cannot bring lasting peace.

Modern interpretation

Trying to protect wealth gained through deceit is like storing water in an unfired clay pot: it cannot hold. A dishonest deal may look secure, but it can collapse as soon as people uncover it.