道德经 · 第9章

底本文字与中文阅读

持而盈之，不如其已；
揣而梲之，不可長保。
金玉滿堂，莫之能守；
富貴而驕，自遺其咎。
功遂身退，天之道。

English support translation

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.

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.