This expression means to manage wealth properly and speak correctly. The ancient Chinese regarded these to be the two basic functions of power. “To manage wealth” means enabling wealth to be allocated in a reasonable and orderly manner; “to speak correctly” means making officials speak in accordance with norms and laws, then further guiding the words and deeds of the people to also accord with norms and laws. Once the allocation of wealth is reasonable and words and deeds accord with norms and laws, good order and good conditions will ensue throughout the entire country and society. There are similarities between this concept and what is described today as tangible and intangible development.

The greatest good in the world is to enable all living things to perpetuate themselves, and the greatest treasure of a sage is his exalted status. How does one maintain exalted status? Through love and caring for others. How does one bring people together? Through wealth. How does one manage wealth properly, speak correctly and prevent people from committing misdeeds? Through justice. (The Book of Changes)