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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).
Khien — humility — sets the mountain beneath the earth, and the oracle answers with the plainest promise in the book: progress and success, and a good issue to the superior man's undertakings. The one ground from which everything is permitted. Add humility to humility, and the great stream may be crossed with good fortune. Humility that has made itself recognised, with firm correctness, is fortunate. The superior man of acknowledged merit maintains his success to the end. Stir up humility the more; every way is advantageous. Without riches you may employ your neighbours, even the force of arms. Put your hosts in motion — but only to punish your towns and state. Humility authorises action; it never licenses conquest.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.