If you would not spill the wine,
Do not fill the glass too full.
If you wish your blade to hold its edge,
Do not try to make it over-keen.
If you do not want your house to be molested by robbers,
Do not fill it with gold and jade.
Wealth, rank and arrogance add up to ruin,
As surely as two and two are four.
When you have done your work and established your fame,
withdraw!
Such is the Way of Heaven.
