39,必诺之言,不足信也

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.