【原文】

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。

功遂身退，天之道也。



【现代汉语】

执着于名利、贪得无厌，不如克制欲望、适可而止；锋芒毕露，难以保持长久。

金玉满堂，没有人能永远守住；富贵而骄，便会招来祸患。成就了功业应知道收敛而不占有功绩。这才是符合'道'的做法。



【英译】

It is better to restraint desire and stop where it should stop, than to rigid in fame and gain and be insatiable; you can not long save yourself from damage if you make a great show of your talents and self-esteem.

When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe enduringly; when wealth and honors lead to arrogance, this brings its evil on itself.

It's the way accord with the standard of Tao's that makes heart being restraining, self-effacing after achievement is accomplished.



【备注】

老子所说之"身退"，并不严格界定为隐退，而是退让、收敛。

从历史和现实中不难看到，在功成事遂是保持淡定确实非一般人所能做到，而退避、收敛就更难；相反的，在没落、不得志的时候能够保持清醒、持守虚静、"盈魄抱一"更是难上加难。

修养至圣人境界确实非凡夫所能。
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