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娶妻取德,不娶色

Qǔ qī qǔ dé, bù qǔ sè
Choose a wife for her virtue, not her beauty.

Marry a wife for virtue, not for beauty.

This is a shorter variant of the previous saying, carrying t...

This is a shorter variant of the previous saying, carrying the same core message: moral character should be the primary criterion in choosing a wife, not physical appearance. It reinforces the idea that a virtuous partner brings lasting happiness and stability, while beauty is fleeting and superficial.

This saying is part of traditional Chinese marital wisdom, often passed down from elders to younger generations. It reflects the Confucian emphasis on moral cultivation and the practical needs of a family unit.

Someone might say this when a young man is choosing a partner and is overly focused on looks, or in a discussion about the decline of traditional values in modern dating.

This saying serves as a moral guideline to prevent young people from making impulsive, appearance-based decisions that could lead to unhappy marriages. It signals that a wise person looks beyond the surface and values the inner qualities that sustain a lifelong partnership.

#marriage #wisdom #character

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