执政者的德行体现为良好的施政。这是中国古代政典《尚书·大禹谟》提出的政治理念。对于执政者而言，所谓德行，并非只是个人品行的实现，更不能只是口头空谈，而必须外化或具体化为实际的施政行为与治理实效。也就是说，执政者的德行是由其努力达到的良好的治理状态来定义的，政治治理没做好，也就无从谈论执政者的美德。而良好的政治，其根本目标在于使百姓过上好的生活。这一理念是民本德政思想的凝聚与融合。

That the virtue of those exercising power is reflected in good governance is a political concept put forward in The Book of History, an ancient Chinese political classic. For one who exercises power, virtue is not just maintaining his moral integrity, certainly not empty talk. Rather, it must find expression in his interactions with others and effective governance. In other words, the virtue of one who exercises power is defined by good governance that he strives to achieve. If one who exercises power fails to maintain good political governance, his virtue is called into question. Ultimately, good government should deliver a good life to the people. What this concept stresses is the importance of virtuous governance for the people.

引例 Citation：

◎德惟善政，政在养民。（《尚书·大禹谟》）

帝王的德行要体现为良好的施政，施政要以养育民众为目的。

A ruler should manifest his virtue in good governance, and the goal of governance is to bring a good life to the people. (The Book of History)

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供稿：北京外国语大学 外语教学与研究出版社

责任编辑：钱耐安