📖 Meaning
Words spoken by a person of virtue bring great and widespread benefit. It emphasizes that moral and well-intentioned counsel carries far-reaching positive influence. The idiom highlights how the words of a righteous person can improve the lives of many.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty scholar Wang Fuzhi's work 'Du Tongjian Lun' (Commentary on the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), specifically in the chapter on Emperor Guangwu of the Later Han. Wang Fuzhi reflected on how the benevolent words of a wise ruler or sage could bring about widespread benefit to the people. The original line reads: 'How widespread is the benefit of a benevolent person's words!' Sun Yat-sen later quoted this idiom in a letter praising overseas Cantonese associations for their concern for their homeland.
💡 Example Usage
号电诵悉，关怀桑梓，仁言利溥，至堪钦佩。
I have received your telegram; your concern for our homeland and your words of great benefit are truly admirable.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 仁言利溥
- Pinyin: rén yán lì pǔ
- Literal Translation: benevolent, words, benefit, widespread
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4