(1)一粥一饭,当思来之不易。半丝半缕,恒念物力维艰。The growing of rice and of grainThink on whenever you dine;Remember how silk is obtainedWhich keeps you warm and looks fine.(2)宜未雨而绸缪,勿临渴而掘井。In periods of droughtWise birds mend their nestSo when the clouds burstThey snugly may rest;Never be the foolWho starts to dig a well in the groundWhen he wants a drink of waterAnd water can’t be found.(3)与肩挑贸易毋占便宜,与贫苦亲邻须加温恤。Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends.(4)居家戒争讼,讼则终凶;处世戒多言,言多必失。Don’t take into court your family disputes,Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;To comport yourself well in society,Restrain loose tongue’s impropriety.(5)勿恃权势而凌孤寡;勿贪口腹而恣杀性。Use not your bow and arrowTo bully orphan and widow.Do not dumb animals slaughter at willYour appetite greedy to over fulfill.(6)乖僻自是,悔悟必多;颓惰自甘,家园终替。Egocentric people growMuch regret and sorrow;Lazy, slothful people sowPoverty tomorrow.(7)施惠勿念;受恩莫忘。In proclaiming your virtues go slow;And be mindful of mercy you own.(8)凡事当留余地,得意不宜再往。Leave room for retreatWhen trying new feat.You will try, try in vainTo repeat windfall gain.(9)人有喜庆,不可生忌妒心;人有祸患,不可生欣幸心。Don’t envy other’s success;Don’t gloat o’er other’s distress.(注:o’er即over,为了译文的音律而采用缩略的形式)(10)善欲人见,不是真善;恶恐人知,便是大恶。To brag of the good you have doneWill never impress anyone.Personal scandals you try hard to hideWill soon be known far and wide.