Fine weapons are instruments of misfortune;
all living things turn from them in dread.
Thus, one who walks with the Way has no use for them.

In peace, the wise honor the left;
in conflict, they turn to the right.

Weapons are instruments of misfortune,
not tools of the wise.
They are used only when no path remains,
for serene restraint is held above all.

Do not glorify victory in battle,
for to glorify victory is to delight in killing.
One who delights in killing
will never achieve their aims in this world.

In joyful times, the left is honored;
in times of grief, the right is honored.
Thus, the general stands to the left,
the commander in chief to the right;
positioned as if attending a solemn funeral.

Where many have fallen,
let mourning rise in sorrow and tears.
Even in victory,
let it be marked with the reverence of a funeral.