耳中常聞逆耳之言，

Our Ears always hear unpleasant words

心中常有拂心之事，

Our minds always have ungratifying concerns

才是進德修行的砥石。

but they are the whetstones for self improvement.

若言言悅耳，

If we hear pleasing words

事事快心，

and everything is gratifying to the mind,

便把此生埋在鴆毒中矣。

Our life is buried in feathers of poison.

(菜根譚 I:8)