【原文】乌鸟之狡，虽善不亲。不重之结，虽固必解；道之用也，贵其重也。毋与不可，毋彊不能，毋告不知；与不可，彊不能，告不知，谓之劳而无功。《形势》

 

【汉解】 乌鸦般的交谊，看着友善，其实并不亲密；不重合的绳结，即使坚固，也一定松脱开解。所以，道在实际运用的时候，贵在慎重。不要交与不可靠的人，不要强给做不到的人，不要告知不明事理的人。交与不可靠的、强予做不到的、告知不明事理的人，就叫作劳而无功。

 

【英译】Even though relationships among a flock of crows may seem good, they are never really close. Agreements that do not take into account all possible difficulties, even though seemingly firm, will certainly be broken. When the Way is followed such difficulties are treated with deference. Do not consort with those who lack ability. Do not force people to do what they are incapable of doing. Do not inform those who cannot under-stand. Consorting with those who lack ability, forcing those who are incapable, and informing those who do not understand are called belaboring oneself to no avail.