【原文】
以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下，其事好还。师之所处，荆棘生焉。大军之后，必有凶年。
善有果而已，不敢以取强。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄，果而不得已，果而勿强。
物壮则老，是谓不道，不道早已。
【现代汉语】
以’道’规律来辅助君王的人，不会依靠武力逞强于天下。发动战争是一定会得到远报的。军队所到之处，就会变得荆棘丛生。大战过后，荒年会接踵而至。
善用兵的人只求达到救济危难的目的而已，不会滥用兵力。达到目的而不有恃无恐;达到目的却不夸耀;达到目的却不骄傲;用武力达到目的是出于迫不得已;达到目的却不逞强。
气势太过强盛就会趋于衰微，这是道的规律，不依照道的规律行事就会加速消亡。
【英译】
The man who assists emperor with the principle of Tao’s will not conquer the world by force of arms. Such warring is sure to meet with its proper future return. Where armies are, thorns and brambles grow. Lean years always follow the war.
Therefore a good captain who acts accord with the standard of Tao’s just fights for relieving jeopardy. He will not use all armed might to indulge in aggressive wars. He will not be swashbuckling, pretentious, cocky and conceited after he gains his ends by force. It’s just be forced to fight.
When things have attained their strong maturity they become old. This is the rule of the Tao’s. What is not in accordance with Tao soon comes to an end.
