Work diligently for the country and frugally for the family. The source is Shangshu Dayu Mo.
The general idea is to be diligent in running state undertakings and frugal in running family life.
Thrift, virtue * * * also; Waste is a great evil. Source "Zuo Zhuan Zhuang Gong Twenty-four Years".
Thrift is a great virtue of doing good; Luxury is the root of all evil.
People's livelihood is diligent, but diligence is not lacking. Source "Zuo Zhuan Gong Xuan Twelve Years".
The livelihood of ordinary people lies in hard work, and only hard work will not lack property.
Thrift leads to prosperity, and fornication leads to death. The source is Mozi's Ci Guo. Thrift will flourish, and lewdness and pleasure will perish.
Looking at the countries and families of former sages, they became thrifty and extravagant. The source is Li Shangyin's Ode to Histories.
Throughout history, from the country to the family, all died of extravagance without exception.
Worry and fatigue can rejuvenate the country, and leisure can die. Source: Introduction to the New Five Dynasties and Lingguan History.
General idea: I am worried that working hard on national affairs will make the country prosper, while pursuing ease and enjoyment will lead to my own demise.
It is easy to be frugal, but difficult to be frugal. The source is Sima Guang's "Training with Diligence and Health". It is easy to change from frugality to luxury, and it is difficult to change from luxury to thrift.