Fan Ch'ih asked about perfect virtue. The Master said, "It is, in retirement, to be sedately grave; in the management of business, to be reverently attentive; in intercourse with others, to be strictly sincere. Though a man go among rude, uncultivated tribes, these qualities may not be neglected."
樊遲問仁。子曰、居處恭、執事敬、與人忠、雖之夷狄、不可棄也。
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; …
Caring for mother and father, kindness to children and partners, and unstressful work: this is the highest blessing.
You have crossed the great ocean; why do you halt so near the shore? make haste to get on the other side; Gautama, &c.
Shema'iah and Abtalion received from them. Shema'iah said, Love work; and hate lordship; and make not thyself known to the government.
That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight: Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;
(Every) man intent on his own respective duties obtains perfection. Listen, now, how one intent on one's own duty obtains perfection. Worshipping, by (the performance of) his own duty, him from whom all things proceed, and by whom all this is permeated, a man obtains perfection.
The Prophet said, "To give one's wife the money she requires is more important than to give alms." … The celebrated saint Bishr Hafi said, "It is better that a man should work for wife and children than merely for himself." In the Traditions it has been recorded that some sins can only be atoned for by enduring trouble for the sake of one's family.