一言而適，可以卻敵；一言而得，可以保國。
A single speech, if it fits the need, can cause an enemy to withdraw; a single speech, if appropriate, can save a state from harm.
響不能獨為聲，影不能倍曲為直。
An echo cannot make a sound of its own accord; a shadow, if crooked, cannot become straight.
物必以其類及，故君子慎言出己。
It is always because of similitude that things gather; hence, a man of quality is careful of the words that emerge from his mouth.
負石赴淵，行之難者也，然申屠狄為之，君子不貴之也。
Plunging into deep water with stones on one’s back is among the most difficult actions to perform, but the fact that Shentu Di24 did it does not cause men of quality to hold him in high esteem.
盜跖凶貪，名如日月，與舜禹並傳而不息，而君子不貴。
The rapacity of robber Zhi is as well known as the sun and the moon; tales about him are repeated just as incessantly as tales that concern Shun and Yu, but men of quality still do not hold him in high esteem.
What a Man of Quality Is Ashamed Of