48. The Well (The Well)
Water rises endlessly from the well, nourishing all who draw from it. Give steadily to others the way a well never runs dry, and this consistency will earn lasting trust and reward.
Plain-Language Translation: A town may relocate, but the well cannot move; the well neither gains nor loses, and people come and go drawing from it. If the jar is broken just as the water nears the top, before it's fully drawn out, this brings misfortune.
Plain-Language Translation: Sinking gently into the water and drawing it upward — this is Jing (the well); the well nourishes without ever running dry. A town may relocate but the well cannot move, because the firm line holds the center, constant and unchanging. If the water nears the top but the jar has not yet fully cleared the well, this shows that success has not yet been achieved. Breaking the jar is the reason misfortune follows.
Plain-Language Translation: Water is drawn up through wood, picturing an inexhaustible supply; the noble person comforts the people and encourages them to help one another.
Modern Application Guide
Career: Consistently offering real value earns lasting trust — there's no need to chase a flashy short-term win.
Relationships: Give steadily to the other person the way a well never runs dry — that consistency is what builds lasting trust.
Wealth: A steady, reliable income stream is worth more to lean on than a one-time windfall.
Health: A steady, regular routine is the real foundation of health — don't chase a quick fix instead.
Line-by-Line Detail
井泥不食，下也。旧井无禽，时舍也
You're at the beginning, still gentle and untested — like the first sprout of something new.
井谷射鲋，无与也
You're settling into the inner position — a good stage to put your strength to use and earn recognition.
井渫不食，行恻也。求王明，受福也
You're right at the boundary between inner and outer — the situation is prone to twists, and tests are likely.
井甃无咎，修井也
You're close to the center now, in a sensitive, receptive spot — supporting the effort suits better than leading it.
寒泉之食，中正也
You're in the central, honored position — a key stage to lead and earn the trust of others.
元吉在上，大成也
This chapter is drawing to a close, settling into stillness — a time to look back and let things settle.