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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.
Kieh takes its name from the joints of the bamboo — the places where the stem divides and so stands straight. Limits, the oracle says, are not the enemy of progress; unmeasured water is a flood, measured water is a lake. But watch the two courtyards: not leaving the courtyard outside your door — no error; not leaving the courtyard inside your gate — evil, caution grown into paralysis. Working regulations are enacted sweetly and acceptably, and men admire them as they advance. The regulations that are severe and difficult cannot be permanent; even their maker repents — though that repentance will by and by disappear. Set the joint where the bamboo bends; do not bind the stem in iron.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard outside his door. There will be no error.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows its subject not quitting the courtyard inside his gate. There will be evil.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows its subject with no appearance of observing the (proper) regulations, in which case we shall see him lamenting. But there will be no one to blame (but himself).
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject quietly and naturally (attentive to all) regulations. There will be progress and success.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject sweetly and acceptably enacting his regulations. There will be good fortune. The onward progress with them will afford ground for admiration.
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject enacting regulations severe and difficult. Even with firmness and correctness there will be evil. But though there will be cause for repentance, it will (by and by) disappear.