道九 - Tao Chapter 09

持而盈之 不如其已

揣而锐之 不可长保

金玉满堂 莫之能守

富贵而骄 自遗其咎

功成身退 天之道也

与其保持着水的盈满（限制着不动），不如让她像蛇一样流淌起来。因为通过外力赋予（锻打）的尖锐属性，是没法长久保存的。 满屋子可见的财富，没有办法守护得住。因为富贵使人骄横，于是给自己带来了过失（灾祸）。 功成名就之后，就不用贪恋功名、居功贪位，放下，这是天（长大久远）的道理。

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It is better to let wealth and possessions flow like water, rather than to try to keep them in a stagnant state. The sharpness and strength that come from external forces are not sustainable.

A house full of visible wealth is not able to be protected. Wealth and status lead to arrogance and eventually brings misfortune.

After success and fame have been achieved, one should not be greedy for fame and power, but let go and follow the way of nature, which is long-lasting.