Tao Te Ching Chapter 9

 

Stretch (a bow) to the very full,

And you will wish you had stopped in time.

Temper a (sword-edge) toits very sharpest,

And the edge will not last long.

When gold and jade fill your hall,

You will not be able to keep them safe.

To be proud with wealth and honor

Is to sow seeds of one's own downfall.

Retire when your work is done,

Such is Heaven's way.