| | 谦: |
地中有山，谦；君子以裒多益寡，称物平施。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
(The trigram for) the earth and (that of) a mountain in the midst of it form Qian. The superior man, in accordance with this, diminishes what is excessive (in himself), and increases where there is any defect, bringing about an equality, according to the nature of the case, in his treatment (of himself and others). |
| | 谦: |
谦谦君子，卑以自牧也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'The superior man who adds humility to humility' is one who nourishes his (virtue) in lowliness. |
| | 谦: |
鸣谦贞吉，中心得也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'The good fortune consequent on being firm and correct, where the humility has made itself recognised, is owing to the possessor's having (the virtue) in the core of his heart. |
| | 谦: |
劳谦君子，万民服也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'The superior man of (acknowledged) merit, and yet humble:' - the myriads of the people will submit to him. |
| | 谦: |
无不利，撝谦；不违则也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'One, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirs up his humility the more:'(but in doing so) he does not act contrary to the (proper) rule. |
| | 谦: |
利用侵伐，征不服也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'He may advantageously use the force of arms:' - correcting, that is, those who do not submit. |
| | 谦: |
鸣谦，志未得也。可用行师，征邑国也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'His humility has made itself recognised:' - (but) all his aims have not yet been attained. He may employ the force of arms, (but only) in correcting (his own) towns and state.' |
