《智慧书·第六辑·二五一至三百》第41则
Know how to Test. The care of the wise must guard against the snare of the wicked. Great judgment is needed to test that of another. It is more important to know the characteristics and properties of persons than those of vegetables and minerals. It is indeed one of the shrewdest things in life. You can tell metals by their ring and men by their voice. Words are proof of integrity, deeds still more. Here one requires extraordinary care, deep observation, subtle discernment, and judicious decision.
注释摘要
这一则的标题“Know how to Test”与正文开头的句子是同一句话的两半，合起来意思是：要知道如何去试探人，因为智者的审慎必须时刻提防恶人的陷阱。这里的“test”并不是中立的检验，而是特指在人际交往中对他人意图、品性与判断力的考测。葛拉西安把这个能力抬到极高的位置——他甚至说，了解人的特性与属性，比了解草木金石更重要。这话放在一个耶稣会士笔下，其…