Song · 讼

Judgment (卦辞)

Conflict. If you are sincere and the adversary is obstinate, there is good fortune for the middle way. If one is obstinate and contentious, the end is misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water.

讼：有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。

Image (象辞)

Heaven and water move in opposite directions — the image of Conflict. Thus, in all conflicts, the superior man carefully considers the beginning. When heaven moves upward and water flows downward, their paths diverge. One must reflect on whether the dispute is truly worth pursuing.

天与水违行，讼；君子以作事谋始。

Modern Application

Song warns against prolonged disputes — compromise is better than stubborn conflict. Relevant for negotiation strategy, conflict resolution, and legal decision-making.

讼警告不要持久争端——妥协优于固执冲突。适用于谈判策略、冲突解决和法律决策。