以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下。其事好远。
师之所处，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。
以道义辅佐君主的人，不会依靠武力来强行征服世界。采用战争手段解决问题的结果往往是事与愿违，成效并不长远。
军队经过的地方，往往会荒芜凋零，荆棘丛生；大规模战争之后，必定会出现灾荒之年。
取得好的结果应该适可而止，而不是借此逞强争霸。即使获得了成功也不要沾沾自喜，不要自我炫耀，不要骄傲自满。如果不得不采取行动取得了成果，也切忌因此变得更强硬。要知道事物过于强壮鼎盛后就会逐渐衰老，这不符合道的原理，不符合道的行为终究难以持久。
Those who assist the ruler with moral virtue do not rely on force to conquer the world. The outcome of resorting to warfare as a problem-solving measure often contradicts intentions and proves short-lived in its effectiveness.
Where armies pass, wasteland and desolation often follow, with thorns and thickets overgrowing. In the wake of great wars, years of famine inevitably ensue.
Achieving good outcomes should be accompanied by moderation, not exploited as an opportunity for domination. Even in success, one should refrain from self-adulation, ostentation, and complacency. If action must be taken and success is attained, one must guard against becoming increasingly hardened. It is wise to remember that all things, upon reaching their peak of strength, begin to decline; this conforms to the principle of Dao, and actions contrary to the Dao ultimately struggle to endure.
