德薄而位尊，知小而谋大，力小而任重，鲜不及矣。
释义Explanation
这句话指出，德行、智慧和能力若与职位、谋划、责任不相匹配，往往会招致失败与灾祸。德行浅薄却身居高位，智慧不足却图谋大事，力量有限却承担重任，很少能不陷入祸患。它提醒人：在追求更高地位或承担更大责任之前，应先修养品德、增长才智、积累实力，做到内外相称，量力而行，避免因德不配位、智不济事而自取其咎。
This line warns that when virtue, wisdom, and strength do not match one's position, plans, or burdens, failure and disaster almost inevitably follow. Thin virtue in a high office, small wisdom for grand designs, slight strength for heavy duties—these mismatches rarely escape calamity. It urges people to cultivate character and ability first, assess their capacity honestly, and avoid seeking power or responsibilities beyond their moral and practical readiness.
使用场景Usage
在现代组织或职业发展中，这句话常用来提醒用人者与个人：晋升或授权须以德行和能力为基础。例如，一位年轻员工被破格提拔到超出其经验的管理岗位，可能因德才不足以服众而陷入困境。个人规划职业时，也应先踏实积累，再追求更高职位，避免“小马拉大车”导致失败与疲惫。
In modern management or career development, this saying reminds leaders and individuals that promotion or delegation must be grounded in virtue and competence. For example, a young employee promoted too quickly into a role beyond their experience may fail to earn trust and end up in crisis. People should build solid capabilities before pursuing higher positions, avoiding burnout and failure from being overburdened beyond their capacity.