Verse 30: Do not dominate

以道佐人主者，
People who draw from the Way,
不以兵強天下。
Do not use troops to dominate the world.
其事好還。
For such matters rebound.
師之所處荊棘生焉。
Where there are armies, there are thorns.
軍之後必有凶年。
The military brings terrible years.
善有果而已，
The wise stop once the result comes into fruition
不敢以取強。
and do not push for more advantage.
果而勿矜。
Obtain fruit without bragging,
果而勿伐。
Obtain fruit without boasting,
果而勿驕。
Obtain fruit without arrogance,
果而不得已。
Obtain fruit without possessing.
果而勿強。
Obtain fruit without dominating.
物壯則老，
The strong dominating the old
是謂不道，
goes against the Way.
不道早已
What goes against the Way perishes quickly.