| 1 |
持而盈之，不如其已﹔揣而銳之，不可長保。金玉滿堂，莫之能守 |
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to
carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point
that has been
sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. |
Grasp to the full, are you not likely foiled? Scheme too sharply, can you wear
long? If gold and jewels fill the hall no one can protect
it.
|
Continuing to fill a pail after it is full the water will be wasted. Continuing
to grind an axe after it is sharp will soon wear it
away. |
| 2 |
富貴
而驕，自遺其咎。功遂身退，天之道。 |
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When
wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its
evil on itself. When the work is done, and one's name
is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity
is the way of Heaven. |
Rich and high but proud, brings about its own doom. To accomplish merit and acquire
fame, then to withdraw, that is Heaven's Way. |
Who can protect a public hall crowded with gold and jewels? The pride of wealth
and position brings about their own misfortune. To
win true merit, to preserve just fame, the personality
must be retiring. This is the heavenly Dao. |
