Tao Te Ching • Chapter 30

1.1 Those who lead people by following the Tao

1.2 don't use weapons to enforce their will.

1.3 Using force always leads to unseen troubles.

2.1 In the places where armies march,

2.2 thorns and briars bloom and grow.

2.3 After armies take to war,

2.4 bad years must always follow.

2.5 The skillful commander

2.6 strikes a decisive blow then stops.

2.7 When victory is won over the enemy through war

2.8 it is not a thing of great pride.

2.9 When the battle is over,

2.10 arrogance is the new enemy.

2.11 War can result when no other alternative is given,

2.12 so the one who overcomes an enemy should not dominate them.

2.13 The strong always weakened with time.

3.1 This is not the way of the Tao.

3.2 That which is not of the Tao will soon end.