To hold and fill a cup to overflowing, 

Is not as good as stopping in time.

Sharpen a sword edge to its very sharpest,

And the sharpness cannot be preserved for ever.

A hall filled with gold and jade, can hardly be 
safeguarded.

To show pride in one's wealth and high rank

Is to pave the way for one's own collapse.

Withdraw after achieving success and winning renown,

Such is the way of Heaven!