将欲歙之,
|
To contract something, |
必固张之;
|
Allow it first to expand. |
将欲弱之,
|
To weaken something, |
必固强之;
|
Allow it first to be strong. |
将欲废之,
|
To eliminate something, |
必固兴之;
|
Allow it first to flourish. |
将欲取之,
|
To take something, |
必固与之。
|
Allow it first to be given. |
是谓微明
|
This is called subtle insight. |
柔胜刚,
|
The soft overcomes the hard, |
弱胜强。
|
The weak prevails over the strong. |
鱼不可脱于渊,
|
Fish must stay in deep waters, |
国之利器,
|
A nation's sharp tools, |
不可以示人。
|
Should not be shown to others. |