Manifest means clear and plain. It tells that retribution is plainly evident, without the smallest error or discrepancy.
Here I give earnest exhortations, charging the four classes of common folk.
“I” refers to the Divine Sovereign. Earnest exhortations mean sincere and repeated counsel. Charging means instructing and admonishing. The four classes of common folk are scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants. The passage bids them reform their faults and turn toward goodness, and above all shun lechery.
If you truly can nurture your mind and nature and refrain from unchaste lust, then poetry and ritual shall be handed down in your household; granaries and chests shall brim with blessings; fame and fortune shall be attained; long life and abundant bliss shall be yours.
“Truly” means resolutely and genuinely. Nurture carries the sense of gradual permeation, as water soaks into things. It states: if one can cultivate one’s mind and nature through humaneness, righteousness and moral virtue, undazzled by carnal desire, one will naturally avoid the grave sin of illicit lust. Poetry, books, rites and music become the family legacy; descendants are taught to study diligently and till the land hard. Thus granaries and store‑chests fill to bring prosperity; one attains merit and renown and enjoys long life and good fortune. Long life means advanced years; abundant bliss means great blessings.
The lintel glows with radiance; verily this is a household of wealth and honor.
Lintel is the horizontal beam above a gateway. The phrase “glows with radiance” describes gilded inscribed boards shining splendidly, manifesting the bearing of a wealthy and noble household.
Your neighborhood is graced with glory; you prove worthy of being a pillar of the realm.
Neighborhood stands for the lanes and dwellings of kinsmen and neighbors. Pillar of the realm denotes high‑ranking officials, likened to the supporting beams of a state. Such a person brings honor to every household in the locality. The phrase “prove worthy of” means to be well suited for such a station.
Auspicious herbs spring forth before the hall; orchids and cassia send forth their fragrant bloom.