On Human Relations
言顾行，行顾言。
"Let speech look to action, and action look to speech."
Chinese Original
言顾行，行顾言。
English Rendering
Let speech look to action, and action look to speech.
Chinese Translation
孔子说:"说话要照顾到行动，行动要照顾到说话。"
Modern Meaning
In "言顾行，行顾言," Confucius focuses on let speech look to action, and action look to speech. The exact principle is that words should be slower than responsibility and close enough for action to catch them. The tension is not generic speech and action; it is the specific problem that people use speech to look capable before their conduct has earned that confidence, which still appears in promising a deadline, offering an opinion, asking a question, or joining a discussion.
How to Apply Today
Use this teaching today in promising a deadline, offering an opinion, asking a question, or joining a discussion. Because this line says "Let speech look to action, and action look to speech," pause before speaking and make the next sentence either honest, necessary, or backed by action, so the lesson becomes visible in one behavior.
Reflection Question
For "言顾行，行顾言" (row 75, 处世篇 / On Human Relations), Where are my words moving faster than my follow-through?
Action Step
Before one important reply today, remove one claim you cannot support with action, specifically in response to this demand: "Let speech look to action, and action look to speech."
Continue with the 162-teaching PDF handbook
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