禪林寶訓 3.36

3.36

山堂曰。御下之法恩不可過。過則驕矣。威不可嚴。嚴則怨矣。欲恩而不驕威而不怨。恩必施於有功。不可妄加於人。威必加於有罪。不可濫及無辜。故恩雖厚而人無所驕。威雖嚴而人無所怨。功或不足稱而賞之已厚。罪或不足責而罰之至重。遂使小人故生驕怨矣（與張尚書書）。

Shantang said: "In the method of governing subordinates, grace must not be excessive; if excessive, they will become arrogant. Authority must not be excessively severe; if severe, it will breed resentment. If one desires grace without arrogance and authority without resentment, grace must be bestowed on the meritorious and must not be improperly granted to people; authority must be applied to the guilty and must not indiscriminately reach the innocent. Therefore, though grace is generous, people will have no cause for arrogance; though authority is strict, people will have no cause for resentment. If merit is perhaps not worthy of praise yet the reward given is already lavish, or if guilt is not worthy of blame yet the punishment is extremely heavy, this will cause petty men to naturally give rise to arrogance and resentment." (Letter to Minister Zhang)