31. Remain unyielding when poor; be useful to the world when rich.

貧賤非辱，貧賤而諂求於人者為辱；富貴非榮，富貴而利濟於世者為榮。講大經綸①，隻是實實落落；有真學問，決不怪怪奇奇。

【中文注釋】

① 大經綸：經綸，本意為經過整理的蠶絲。此處喻規劃、管理政治的才能。大經綸也即滿腹經綸之意。

【今文解譯】

貧賤不是恥辱，但因為貧賤而去低三下四地乞求別人，這才是恥辱。

富貴不是榮耀，但富貴的同時還能慷慨解囊救助世人，這才是榮耀。

滿腹經綸的人，隻有奉獻出自己的聰明才智才名副其實。

真正有知識和學問的人，絕對不會裝模作樣、故弄玄虛。

【English Translation】

It抯 not a shame to be poor and humble, but so indeed if one has resort to others in a way of degrading oneself because of poverty and humbleness.

It抯 not an honor to be wealthy and influential, but so indeed if one does something good and useful to the world with the wealth and influence of his own.

A man full of wisdom and ability can only be so called when he earnestly dedicates what he has in mind.

A man who is really well versed in knowledge and learning will never behave in a queer way.

即物窮理 名副其實