管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】圣人之诺已也，先论其理义，计其可否。义则诺，不义则已；可则诺，不可则已。故其诺未尝不信也。小人不义亦诺，不可亦诺，言而必诺。故其诺未必信也。故曰：“必诺之言，不足信也。 【形势解》

【汉解】人对一件事情的承诺与否，首先问它是否合于理义，并估计其可能性。合于“义”则承诺，不合于“义”则不承诺；有可能则承诺，没有可能则作罢。所以他的诺言没有不兑现的。小人则是不义也承诺，没有可能也承诺，一张口就一定承诺。所以他的诺言是未必兑现的。所以说：“必诺之言，不足信也。”

【英译】When the sage makes promises, he first discusses their nature and rightness, and estimates their possibilities. If right, he makes the promise; if not, he refrains. If possible, he makes the promise; if not, he refrains. Therefore his promises are always trustworthy. But a petty person will still make a promise even though it is not right or possible. Whenever he speaks, he is certain to promise. Therefore his promises are not always to be trusted.