When I speak, honesty is important. Deceitful words and lies must not be tolerated.
Rather than talking too much, it is better to speak less and listen more. I will speak only the truth, I will not twist the facts.
Cunning words, foul language, and philistine habits must be avoided at all costs.
What I have not seen with my own eyes, I will not readily tell to others. What I do not know for sure, I will not easily pass on to others.
If I am asked to do something that is inappropriate or bad, I must not agree to it. If I do, I will be doubly wrong.
I must speak clearly and to the point. I must not talk too fast or mumble.
Some like to talk about the good points of others, while some like to talk about the faults of others. If it is none of my business, I will not get involved.
When I see others do good deeds, I must think about following their example. Even though my own achievements are still far behind those of others, I know that each successive good deed makes me a better person.
When I see others do wrong, I must immediately reflect upon myself. If I have made the same mistake, I will correct it. If not, I will take extra care to not make the same mistake.
When my morals, conduct, knowledge, and skills seem not as good as those of others, I will encourage myself to be better.
If the clothes I wear, and the food I eat and drink are not as good as that of others, I should not be concerned because over time my ability to provide more will improve.
If criticism makes me angry and compliments make me happy, bad company will come my way and good friends will shy away.
If I am uneasy about compliments and appreciative of criticism, then sincere, understanding, and virtuous people will gradually come close to me.
If any mistake I make is inadvertent, it is merely a mistake. If it is done on purpose, however, it is an evil act.
If I correct my mistake and do not repeat it, I no longer own the mistake. If I try to cover it up, I will be doubly wrong.
(2) Love All Equally
Human beings, regardless of nationality, race, or religion – everyone – should be loved equally. We are all sheltered by the same sky and we all live on the same planet Earth.
A person of high ideals and morals is highly respected. What people of character value is not based on outside appearance it is my character by which they judge me.
A person’s outstanding abilities will naturally endow him with a good reputation. Admiration from others does not come from boasting or praising oneself.
If I am a very capable person, I should use my capabilities for the benefit of others. Other people’s competence should never be slandered.
I will not flatter the rich, or despise the poor. I will not ignore old friends, only taking delight in new ones.
When a person is busy, I will not bother him with matters. When a person’s mind is not at ease, I will not bother him with words.
If a person has a shortcoming, I will not expose it. If a person has a secret, I will not tell others.
When people are being praised and approved of, they will be encouraged to try even harder.
Spreading rumors about the wrongdoings of others is a wrongdoing in itself. When the harm done has reached the extreme, misfortunes will surely follow.
When I encourage another to do good both of our virtues are built up. If I do not tell another of his faults, we are both wrong.
Whether I take or give, it is better to give more and take less.
What I ask others to do, I must first ask myself if I would be willing to do. If it is not something I would be willing to do, I will not ask others to do it.
I must repay the kindness of others and let go of my resentments. I will spend less time holding grudges and more time paying back the kindness of others.
When I am directing maids and servants, I will act honorably and properly. I will also treat them kindly and generously.
If I use my influence to make others submissive, their hearts will not be with me. If I can convince` them with sound reasoning, they will have nothing to object to.
(3) Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion
We are all human, but we are not the same. Most of us are ordinary; only a very few have great virtues and high moral principles.
A truly virtuous person is greatly respected by others. He will not be afraid to speak the truth and he will not fawn on others.
If I can be close to and learn from people of great virtue and compassion, I will benefit immensely. My virtues will grow daily and my wrongdoings will lessen day by day.
If I choose not to be close to and learn from people of great virtue, I will suffer a great loss. People without virtue will get close to me and nothing I attempt will succeed.