Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)
The Judgment
Conflict: you are sincere and are being hindered.
Pausing cautiously midway brings good fortune.
Carrying it through to the end brings misfortune.
It is favorable to see the great person.
Crossing the great water is not favorable.
The Image
Heaven and water move in opposite directions:
the image of conflict.
So the noble one, in everything they undertake, considers
the beginning.
First line, six
If one does not drag the matter on forever,
there is a bit of gossip.
Good fortune comes in the end.
Second line, nine
One cannot contend, returns home and gets out of the way.
The people of one's town, three hundred households,
remain free of blame.
Third line, six
Living on old virtue gives persistence.
Danger; good fortune comes in the end.
If you happen to be in a king's service,
do not seek achievements.
Fourth line, nine
One cannot contend,
turns back and submits to fate,
changes and finds peace in persistence.
Good fortune.
Fifth line, nine
Contending before him brings exalted good fortune.
Top line, nine
Even if one should be granted a leather belt,
before the morning is out it is torn away three times.