Di Zi Gui Chapter 3: 谨

谨

This is the third chapter for students. 'Jin' is saying we should be wary in our behavior, we can't be reckless.

朝起早夜眠迟

老易至惜此时

One should wake up early in the morning and go to sleep late. People's lives re very brief, in a flash one will go from young to old, so everyone should cherish the valuable time of now.

晨必盥兼漱口

便嫋回辄净手

After rising from bed in the morning, one must wash his face and clean his teeth, after going to the bathroom, big or small [note: it actually says this], one must wish his hands. One should form a habit of these good hygiene customs when young.

冠必正纽必结

袜与履俱紧切

One should wear ones hat straight and properly, his clothes should be buttoned, his socks and shoes should be worn orderly, and his shoes should be laced.

置冠服有定位

勿乱顿致污秽

When one takes off his clothes and hat he should put it in a fixed place and shouldn't litter and dump them to avoid a mess of clothes.

衣贵洁不贵华

上循分下称家

When wearing expensive clothes they should be tidy and tasteful, and shouldn't be resplendent. Not only should they match ones position, they should also be suitable to ones condition.

对饮食勿拣择

食适可勿过则

Concerning food, one shouldn't be a fussy eater and shouldn't be partial to a particular kind of food, this could be bad for your nourishment. One should also stop eating things before going too far, one doesn't want to be excessive, it could harm one's taste.

年方少勿饮酒

饮酒醉最为丑

When young one mustn't drink alcohol. Because if one is drunk a little even once, he can do some disgusting and revolting behaviors and lose face.

步从容立端正

揖深圆拜恭敬

When walking one shouldn't bee too fast or too slow, allow ample time. When standing one should stand straight and upright. When greeting one should bow deeply and be respectful.

勿践阈勿跛倚

勿箕踞勿摇髀

When entering a door, one shouldn't step on the threshold or lean on one leg. One shouldn't squat with his legs crossed, or shake his legs. Otherwise it will look like one hasn't been brought up.

缓揭帘勿有声

宽转弯勿触棱

When entering a door, one should slowly open curtains, and do all one can to not make a sound. When turning one should make wide turns, to avoid hitting the edges of things, and to avoid causing harm to oneself.

执虚器如执盈

入虚室如有人

Even if one is holding an empty utensil, one should be as cautious as if it was full. When entering a room with no one, one should be as wary as if there was someone and not move.

事勿忙忙多错

勿畏难勿轻略

One shouldn't be too hurried when doing things, if one is too hurried it is easy to make mistakes. One shouldn't be afraid of difficulties, and should press forward despite them. One also shouldn't be careless, even in small matters, one should treat them seriously.

斗闹场绝勿近

邪僻事绝勿问

On the occasion there is fighting, one should keep a distance and not approach. Even if it is unjust and unfair, one shouldn't concern oneself with it.

将入门问孰存

将上堂声必扬

When preparing to enter someone else's home, one should knock first, then ask if anyone is there. Only after the people living there allow you to enter may you enter. When entering a hall, one should raise ones voice a little, in order to let people inside know you are there.

人问谁对以名

吾与我不分明

When people inside ask who it is, one should tell them your name. If you only reply "it's me"the other people can't really understand who it is.

用人物须明求

倘不问即为偷

When you want to borrow other people's things, you must ask them face to face, in order to ask for their permission. If you don't ask and use take the thing, this is just like stealing.

借人物及时还

人借物有勿悭

When borrowing other people's things, you should return it in the appointed amount of time, if you are late in retiring the things in the future they will not believe you. When other people want to borrow things from you, if you have the thing, you shouldn't be stingy.