以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下，

He who assists the ruler with Tao does not dominate the world with force.

其事好还。

The use of force usually brings requital.

师之所处，荆棘生焉；

Wherever armies are stationed, briers and thorns grow.

大军之后，必有凶年。

Great wars are always followed by famines.

故善者果而已矣。

A good general achieves his purpose and stops.

不敢以取强，

But does not dare to dominate the world.

果而勿矜，

He achieves his purpose but does not brag about it.

果而勿伐，

He achieves his purpose but does not boast about it.

果而勿骄，

He achieves his purpose but is not proud of it.

果而不得已。

He achieves his purpose but only as an unavoidable step.

果而勿强。

He achieves his purpose but does not aim to dominate.

物壮则老。

For after things reach their prime, they begin to grow old,

是谓不道、

Which means being contrary to Tao.

不道早已。

Whatever is contrary to Tao will soon perish.