Shi He · 噬嗑

Judgment (卦辞)

Biting Through has success. It is favorable to let justice be administered. When something obstructs the way, it must be bitten through and removed. Justice must be clear and decisive — obstacles that block harmony must be firmly eliminated.

噬嗑：亨。利用狱。

Image (象辞)

Thunder and lightning — the image of Biting Through. Thus the kings of antiquity clearly defined the laws and strictly enforced penalties. Thunder and fire combine to produce decisive clarity; law must be enforced with both force and illumination.

雷电，噬嗑；先王以明罚敕法。

Modern Application

Shi He advocates decisive enforcement — removing obstacles through clear rules and consequences. Relevant for compliance enforcement, dispute resolution, and breaking through bureaucratic barriers.

噬嗑主张果断执行——通过明确的规则和后果消除障碍。适用于合规执行、争议解决和突破官僚障碍。