Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)
The Judgment
Youthful folly has success.
I do not seek out the young fool;
it is the young fool who seeks me.
When they first ask the oracle, I give an answer.
If they ask two or three times, that is pestering.
If they pester, I give no answer.
Persistence is favorable.
The Image
Below the mountain a spring wells up:
the image of youth.
So the noble one, by acting thoroughly,
nourishes their character.
First line, six
To develop the fool,
it is favorable to discipline the person.
The shackles should be taken off.
Going on like this brings shame.
Second line, nine
To bear with fools gently brings good fortune.
Knowing how to treat women brings good fortune.
The son can manage the household.
Third line, six
You should not take a girl
who sees a man of bronze
and does not keep possession of herself.
Nothing is favorable.
Fourth line, six
Confined folly brings shame.
Fifth line, six
Childlike folly brings good fortune.
Top line, nine
In punishing folly, it is not favorable
to commit transgressions.
Only fending off transgressions is favorable.