Chapter 9

Original Text

持而盈之，不如其已；
揣而銳之，不可長保。
金玉滿堂，莫之能守；
富貴而驕，自遺其咎。
功成名遂身退，天之道。

Translation

To hold and fill it—better to stop in time.
To whet it to sharpness—it cannot be kept so for long.
Gold and jade piled to the rafters—no one can guard them.
Riches and rank with arrogance—you bring misfortune on yourself.
When work is complete and fame accomplished, withdraw the person—this is Heaven’s Way.

Word Notes

• 已: To cease, stop.
• 揣: To grind/whet; here, to push toward keenest sharpness.
• 莫之能守: “None can keep/guard it.”
• 身退: Withdraw one’s person; step back.
• 天之道: Heaven’s pattern/Way—cyclical balance, avoiding extremes.

Chapter Explanation

All things follow cycles: what is filled spills, what is sharpened dulls. Hoarded wealth attracts loss; wealth plus pride invites ruin. The safeguard is timely restraint: finish the task, let the merit stand, and step back. That return to modesty aligns with Heaven’s Way.

Discourse

This chapter is an ethic of de-escalation. In projects, careers, and public life, stop short of the redline; polish enough to serve, not to slice. In success, cool the spotlight and exit cleanly. The merit lasts longer when you don’t cling to it.