16. Never anticipate others in seeking wealth nor lag behind in dispensing charities.
宠利①毋居人前,德业②毋落人后,受享③毋逾分外④,修为毋减分中⑤。
注 释
① 宠利:恩宠和利禄。此处可理解为利益或名利。
② 德业:乐善好施的行为。
③ 受享:得到并享用。
④ 分外:超出自己该得的范围。喻不该得的东西。
⑤ 修为毋减分中:修炼德行要有始有终,决不半途而废。
今文解译
有利可图时,不要抢在别人前面;行善立德时,不要落在别人后面;获享成果时,不要超过自己应得的那一份;修身养性时,不要分心也不要半途而废。
English Translation
Never anticipate others in the face of fame and wealth. Never fall behind in doing good turns and dispensing charities. When reaping benefit, never intend to receive what you do not deserve to. In cultivating your moral character, never slack off before accomplishment.