英文：
Once a merchant lent half a cent to a man who then took a long time repaying him. the merchant went to the man to ask him to clear the debt sooner. to go there, he had to pay two cents as ferry fare to cross a wide river. the debtor was not at home when he arrived there. on his trip back, he had to pay as much again. it amounted to four cents in total.
For a debt of half a cent, the merchant lost four cents. moreover, he got very tired from his journey. he lost a great more than what he stood to gain. as a result, he was sardonically laughed at.
So are the people at large. to seek a little fame and gain, people will spare no pains to bring ruin upon what should be their greater concern. they seek self-preservation at the expense of morality. consequently, they will earn a bad name in this life and suffer retribution in the hereafter.
古文：
往有商人，贷他半钱，久不得偿，即便往债。前有大河，雇他两钱，然后得渡。到彼往债，竟不得见。来还渡河，复雇两钱。
为半钱债，而失四钱，兼有道路疲劳乏困。所债甚少，所失极多。果被众人之所怪笑。
世人亦尔，要少名利，致毁大行。苟容己身，不顾礼义，现受恶名，后得苦报。
译文：
从前有个商人，借给别人半文钱，那人很久都没来还，他决定前去要债。路上有一条大河，雇船过河花了两文钱，到了借他钱的人家，没见到人。回来过河，又花了两文钱。为了讨回半文钱的债而花掉了四文钱，而且来回路上疲劳困乏。借给别人的很少，但损失的却很多，结果招来众人的嘲笑。
世上也有人这样，为了蝇头微利，而毁坏了最重要的教义和修行。为了一点私利，不顾礼义廉耻，不仅会招来恶名，而且会得到苦海无边的报应。