三十章

　　以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下，其事好还：师之所居，荆棘生焉。大军之后，必有凶年。善有果而已，不以取强。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄，果而不得已，果而勿强。物壮则老，是谓不道，不道早已。

　　He who by Tao purposes to help the ruler of men

　　Will oppose all conquest by force of arms.

　　For such things are wont to rebound.

　　Where armies are, thorns and brambles grow.

　　The raising of a great host

　　Is followed by a year of dearth.

　　Therefore a good general effects his purpose and stops.

　　He dares not rely upon the strength of arms;

　　Effects his purpose and does not glory in it;

　　Effects his purpose and does not boast of it;

　　Effects his purpose and does not take pride in it;

　　Effects his purpose as a regrettable necessity;

　　Effects his purpose but does not love violence.

　　(For) things age after reaching their prime.

　　That (violence) would be against the Tao.

　　And he who is against the Tao perishes young.

用道来辅佐君主的人，不靠兵力强行天下。发动战争很快就会得到报应。军队驻扎的地方，会荆棘丛生。大战之后，必有荒年。善用兵的人达到目的即可，不用兵力逞强。战胜后不自满，战胜后不自夸。战胜后不骄傲，战胜了也是不得已，达到目的但不爱暴力。因为顶峰之后就会衰退。暴力是与道相违背的。违背道的人会早衰。