（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 grain

Think on whenever you dine;

Remember how silk is obtained

Which keeps you warm and looks fine.

（２）宜未雨而绸缪，勿临渴而掘井。

In periods of drought

Wise birds mend their nest

So when the clouds burst

They snugly¹ may rest;

Never be the fool

Who starts to dig a well in the ground

When he wants a drink of water

And 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 vends²;

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 lawsuits³;

To comport⁴ 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 arrow

To bully⁵ orphan⁶ and widow.

Do not dumb animals slaughter⁷ at will

Your appetite greedy to over fulfill⁸.

（６）乖僻自是，悔悟必多；

颓惰自甘，家园终替。

Egocentric people grow

Much regret and sorrow;

Lazy, slothful people sow

Poverty tomorrow.

（７）施惠勿念；受恩莫忘。

In proclaiming your virtues⁹ 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 retreat

When trying new feat¹⁰.

You will try, try in vain

To 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 distress¹¹.

(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 brag¹² of the good you have done

Will never impress anyone.

Personal scandals you try hard to hide

Will soon be known far and wide.