Thirty

One who would guide a leader of people in the uses of life
Will warn against the use of arms for conquest.
Weapons often turn upon the wielder,
Thorn bushes spring up wherever an army has passed,
Conscription of a multitude of people
Drains the next year dry.

A good general, daring to march, dares also to halt,
Will never press triumph beyond need.
Achieve results, but not for glory,
Achieve results, but not for show,
Achieve results, but not for pride,
Achieve results
Because it is the natural way;
Achieve but never force results.

Force is followed by a loss of strength,
This is not the way at all.
That which runs contrary to the way of life
Comes to an early death.