清 • 林則徐   治家對聯

子孫若如我,留錢做什麼,賢而多財,則損其志;

子孫不如我,留錢做什麼,愚而多財,益增其過。


COUPLET FOR THE FAMILY
-- by Lin Zexu (1785-1850)
-- Translated by Frank C Yue

If my sons and grandchildren are like me,
To leave them money, what good can that be?
Virtuous men and filthy rich --
Their firm will would be likely breach'd!


If my sons and grandchildren are unlike me,
To leave them money, what good can that be?
Filthy rich but stupid guys --
Alas! Their faults and flaws multiplied!