一言為重

古時候秦國有個相國叫商鞅，秦王非常器重他。公元前359年，他打算在秦國實行變法，但他怕百姓們不相信官府，就決定做件事以取得他們的信任。

有一天。他把一根10米長的竿子豎在都城南門外，然後告訴百姓如果誰把這根竹竿拿到城邊北門，就賞給他10兩銀子。開始，大家聽到這個消息都很吃驚，但沒人敢試。於是商鞅又提高聲音說：「誰把這根竹竿拿到北門，賞五十兩銀子。」這時，有一個膽子挺大的人願意去試一試。當他把竹竿拿到北門時，商鞅立刻賞給他五十兩銀子。其他人看見了，都非常後悔自己沒去試。

經過這件事，大家都相信了官府。後來商鞅的變法進行地很成功，秦國因此成為了當時最強大的國家。

後來，人們就用「一言為重」來比喻一個人信守諾言。

What is Said Carries Weight

In ancient times, there was a prime minister named Shang Yang in the State of Qin. He was held in high regard by the King. In the year 359 BC, he prepared for a political reform to promote the economic development. But he was afraid that the people would not believe local authorities. He thought an idea.

One day, he had a 10-meter long pole erected at the south gate outside the capital. Then he told the crowd whoever took the pole to the north gate would be awarded 10 ounces of silver. Everyone was astonished, but nobody dared to have a try. After seeing that, Shang Yang raised his voice and said:" Anyone who carries the pole to the north gate will get 50 ounces of silver." A brave man did it and was be given 50 ounces of silver. Others felt very regretful.

In this way, Shang Yang achieved his aim successfully. Soon the state of Qin became the strongest country.

Later, people use it to praise the man who keeps his promise.