To speak with much refinement and coherence, to discourse for a whole day with various reasonings and different approaches, but to concentrate on one subject - this is the wisdom of the sage. The scholar speaks eloquently according to the rules of public speaking, but does not possess true wisdom. When much goodness is accumulated, spiritual enlightenment comes of itself, and the sagely heart is attained. - To offer instruction without being asked is impetuous, to speak about two things when asked about one is talkative. The selfish man, although he may ride in a coach and wear a crown, is no different from a footless cripple. He can be called one who makes himself a servant of those things he admires.
Affairs have their beginning and end.
To know what comes first and what comes last is to be near to the Tao. A single word may ruin an enterprise, and a single man may pacify the state. When there is sincerity there is enlightenment. When there is enlightenment there is sincerity. It is only the individual possessed of supreme sincerity who can give full development to his nature.