道德经英文版 The Tao-te Ching Chapter 9

1. It is better to leave a vessel1 unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.

2. When gold and jade2 fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself. When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished3, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.

持而盈之，不如其已;

揣而銳之，不可長保。

金玉滿堂，莫之能守;

富貴而驕，自遺其咎。

功遂身退，天之道也。

【译文】

执持盈满，不如适可而止。锋芒毕露，难以长久。金玉满堂，谁能守藏?富贵而骄横，自埋祸殃。功成身退，是最应该奉行的行为准则。

1 vessel        

n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管

参考例句：

The vessel is fully loaded with cargo for Shanghai.这艘船满载货物驶往上海。

You should put the water into a vessel.你应该把水装入容器中。

2 jade        

n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠

参考例句：

The statue was carved out of jade.这座塑像是玉雕的。

He presented us with a couple of jade lions.他送给我们一对玉狮子。

3 distinguished        

adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的

参考例句：

Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。

A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。