以道佐人主者，不以兵強天下。其事好遠。
師之所處，荊棘生焉。大軍之后，必有兇年。
善有果而已，不以取強。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿驕。果而不得已，果而勿強。
物壯則老，是謂不道，不道早已。

以道義輔佐君主的人，不會依靠武力來強行征服世界。采用戰爭手段解決問題的結果往往是事與愿違，成效并不長遠。
軍隊經過的地方，往往會荒蕪凋零，荊棘叢生；大規模戰爭之后，必定會出現災荒之年。
取得好的結果應該適可而止，而不是借此逞強爭霸。即使獲得了成功也不要沾沾自喜，不要自我炫耀，不要驕傲自滿。如果不得不采取行動取得了成果，也切忌因此變得更強硬。要知道事物過于強壯鼎盛后就會逐漸衰老，這不符合道的原理，不符合道的行為終究難以持久。

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.