論 語 Lun Yu – The Analects of Confucius

宰予晝寢。子曰‘朽木不可雕也、糞土之牆不可朽也。於予與何誅’
子曰‘始吾於人也、聽其言而信其行、今吾於人也、聽其言而觀其行。於予與改是’

原文 102

The idleness of Tsâi Yü and its reproof.
1. Tsâi Yü being asleep during the daytime, the Master said, "Rotten wood cannot be carved; a wall of dirty earth will not receive the trowel. This Yü! – what is the use of my reproving him?"
2. The Master said, "At first, my way with men was to hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words, and look at their conduct. It is from Yü that I have learned to make this change."

Legge V.9.

Tsai Yu was in bed in the daytime. The Master said, 'A piece of rotten wood cannot be carved, nor can a wall of dried dung be trowelled. As far as Yu is concerned what is the use of condemning him?' The Master added, 'I used to take on trust a man's deeds after having listened to his words. Now having listened to a man's words I go on to observe his deeds. It was on account of Yu that I have changed in this respect.'

Lau [5:10]

Tsai Iu restait au lit pendant le jour. Le Maître dit : « Un morceau de bois pourri ne peut être sculpté ; un mur de fumier et de boue ne peut être crépi. Que sert de réprimander Iu ? Auparavant, quand j'avais entendu parler un homme, je croyais que sa conduite répondait à ses paroles. A présent, quand j'ai entendu parler un homme, j'observe ensuite si ses actions répondent à ses paroles. C'est Iu qui m'a fait changer la règle de mes jugements. »

Couvreur V.9.