子贡问为仁，子曰：“工欲善其事，必先利其器。居是邦也，事其大夫之贤者，友其士之仁者。”

Zi Gong asked how to render good service. The Master said, "A craftsman who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools. You who serve in a state must act in agreement with its good officers and befriend its good intellectuals."

颜渊问为邦，子曰：“行夏之时，乘殷之辂，服周之冕，乐则《韶》、《舞》；放郑声，远佞人。郑声淫，佞人殆。”

Yan Yuan asked how to serve in a state. The Master said, "Use the calendar of Xia, ride the carriage of Yin, wear the ceremonial dress of Zhou, play the music of Emperor Shun and dance to the tune of the Martial King. Reject the songs of Zheng which are licentious and keep away from flatterers who are dangerous."

子曰：“人无远虑，必有近忧。”

If you have no long sight, said the Master, trouble will be near at hand.

子曰：“已矣乎！吾未见好德如好色者也。”

In vain, said the Master, have I looked for one who loves his duty more than beauty.

子曰：“臧文仲其窃位者与！知柳下惠之贤而不与立也。”

Was not Zang Wen Zhong, said the Master, a stealer of ranks? He knew Liu Xia Hui gifted but did not give the rank due to him.

来源：翻译大王