"Zhu Xi's Family Instructions" has only 522 words. "Zhu Xi's Family Instructions" is also called "Zhu Bailu's Maxims on Family Governance", referred to as "Maxims on Family Governance". The author Zhu Yongchun, whose courtesy name is Zhiyi and whose name is Bailu (the existing Bailu Primary School in Kunshan), is from Kunshan County, Jiangsu Province. He was born in the 45th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1617). His father Zhu Jihuang was a scholar in the late Ming Dynasty.

Verse 2: (original text): A porridge and a meal, when thinking about the difficulty of getting there; half a thread, half a thread, constant thoughts on the difficulty of material resources.

(Translation): For a piece of porridge or a meal, we should think about the hard-won; for half a thread or half a thread of clothing, we should always think about the origin of these materials. Very tough.

Section 3: (Original text): It is better to be prepared before it rains, and not to dig a well when thirsty.

(Note): Prepare for the rain (chóu móu): It is not raining yet, you should repair the doors and windows of the house first, which means that you must be prepared for everything in advance.

(Translation): You must prepare in advance, like repairing the house before it rains, and don't "just improvise", like digging a well when you are thirsty.

Section 11: (Original text): Don’t be greedy for unexpected wealth, and don’t drink too much wine.

(Translation): Don’t be greedy for money that doesn’t belong to you, and don’t drink too much alcohol.

Verse 22 (original text): If you listen to what is said lightly, how can you be aware of the inhumane accusations? You should be patient and think twice; if you argue over something, how can you know that it is not your fault? Need to think quietly.

(Note): 议(zèn): To slander someone.

(Translation): Don’t trust other people’s opinions and think twice. Because how do you know that he is not speaking ill of others? When fighting over something, you have to calmly reflect on yourself, because how do you know that it is not my fault?

Verse 24 (original text): Leave room for everything, and don’t move on when you are satisfied.

(Translation): No matter what you do, you should leave room for it; after you are satisfied, you should be satisfied and should not go further.

Verse 25 (original text): When people are happy, don’t be jealous; when people are in trouble, don’t be happy.

(Translation): Don’t be jealous when others have happy events; don’t take pleasure in others’ misfortunes.

Verse 26 (original text): Good things that are desired to be seen by others are not truly good; evil things that are feared to be seen by others are great evils.

(Translation): If you do good deeds and want others to see them, you are not a truly good person. Those who do bad things and are afraid that others will know about them are truly evil people.

Verse 30 (original text): Keep your peace and order, and listen to the times.

(Translation): We stick to our duties, work hard, and God has arrangements.