【原文】凡君国之重器，莫重于令。令重则君尊，君尊则国安；令轻则君卑，君卑则国危。故安国在乎尊君，尊君在乎行令，行令在乎严罚。罚严令行，则百吏皆恐；罚不严，令不行，则百吏皆喜。《重令》

【汉解】凡属统治国家的重要手段，没有比法令更重要的。法令威重则君主尊严，君主尊严则国家安定；法令没有力量则君主低贱，君主低贱则国家危险。所以，安国在于尊君，尊君在于行令，行令在于严明刑罚。刑罚严、法令行，则百官畏法尽职；刑罚不严、法令不行，则百官玩忽职守。

【英译】Of all the important instruments for ruling a state, none is more important than orders. If orders are treated as important, the prince will be honored. If he is honored, the state will be safe. If the orders are treated lightly, the prince will be scorned. If he is scorned, the state will be endangered. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the state depends on the prince being honored, and such honor depends on having his orders carried out. Having his orders carried out depends on his being strict in regard to punishments. If his punishments are strictly applied and his orders are carried out, the various functionaries will all be fearful of punishment. If punishments are not strictly applied and the orders are not carried out, the various functionaries will all be delighted.