Page 88 - Built For Greatness - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching

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Chapter 31
Weapons of the World

a
Weapons are the tools of misfortune
All wise men detest them
Those who live by the Spirit of God avoid weapons of the world
Men of peace value the left side
Men of war value the right side

Weapons of the world are tools of misfortune
They are not tools of righteous men
When using it out of necessity
b
Stillness and quietude are above all
c
And victory is no occasion for rejoicing

Those who do not guard their lips in victory
d
Pride themselves in killing
And those who pride themselves in killing
Will never find fulfillment in the world

Joyful occasions are given to the left
And sad occasions are given to the right
The lieutenant general stands on the left
And the commander-in-chief stands on the right

e
Thus, the result of war is conducted like a funeral
The multitude of people who have been killed
Should be mourned with tears
This is why the victory of war is observed as a funeral