After Completion
"Water over fire. Everything is in its place. Success in small matters. At the beginning good fortune, at the end disorder."
The Judgment
After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning good fortune, at the end disorder.
Original Text
亨，小利贞，初吉终乱。
The Image
Water over fire: The image of the condition in After Completion. Thus the superior man takes thought of misfortune and arms himself against it in advance.
Original Text
水在火上，既济；君子以思患而预防之。
The Lines
Nine at the Beginning初九
"He brakes his wheels. He gets his tail in the water. No blame."
Caution at the moment of success prevents future problems.
Original: 曳其轮，濡其尾，无咎。
Six at the Place 2六二
"The woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not run after it; on the seventh day you will get it."
Do not worry about minor losses. They will be restored.
Original: 妇丧其茀，勿逐，七日得。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"The Illustrious Ancestor disciplines the Devil's Country. After three years he conquers it. Inferior men must not be employed."
Great achievements take time and require capable people.
Original: 高宗伐鬼方，三年克之，小人勿用。
Six at the Place 4六四
"The finest clothes turn to rags. Be careful all day long."
Success breeds decay. Stay vigilant.
Original: 繻有衣袽，终日戒。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"The neighbor in the east slaughters an ox. But this is not as good as the small offering of the neighbor in the west. He really receives the blessing."
Sincerity is more important than extravagance.
Original: 东邻杀牛，不如西邻之禴祭，实受其福。
Six at the Top上六
"He gets his head in the water. Danger."
Intoxication with success leads to drowning.
Original: 濡其首，厉。