66. Purity of Action

Good friendships bring wealth to a man, 
but goodness of action fulfills his every wish.

Fame-garnering actions of no real benefit
should always be strictly avoided.

Declaring that their future will be brighter,
men must desist from deeds that darken glory's light.

However troubled the times, men of imperturbable perception
never commit shameful or sordid deeds.

Do nothing that would make you regret, "What have I done!"
However, if regrettable deeds occur, do not remain regretful. 

Though he must behold his own mother's hunger, 
let a man desist from deeds condemned by wise men. 

The worst poverty of worthy men is more worthwhile 
than the greatest wealth amassed by wrongful means.

Forbidden deeds, however well accomplished, inflict sorrow
on those who seek after rather than shun them.

What is gained by tears will go by tears. Even if it begins 
with loss, in the end, goodness gives many good things.

Protecting the country with wrongly garnered wealth 
is like preserving water in an unbaked clay pot.