15 · Modesty (QIĀN)
Modesty does not make one smaller. It is strength without self-exaltation, able to distribute according to the true weight of things.
The judgment
Modesty: success. The noble one has an end.
Modesty lets relationships and resources flow. The noble person carries it through to the end, rather than treating it as a temporary pose.
Original Chinese text
謙，亨，君子有終。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — A modest, modest noble one. Use it to cross the great river: good fortune.
Original Chinese
謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Modesty resounds. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Original Chinese
鳴謙，貞吉。
- 九三 · Line 3 — The laboring modest noble one has an end: good fortune.
Original Chinese
勞謙君子，有終吉。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Nothing unfavourable: display modesty.
Original Chinese
無不利，撝謙。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Not rich, together with neighbors; it is favorable to correct and act. Nothing unfavourable.
Original Chinese
不富，以其鄰，利用侵伐，無不利。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Modesty resounds. It is favorable to move an army, to correct town and state.
Original Chinese
鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。