Use weapons sparingly.
Prefer things that are sharp with rough edge.
Weapons are instruments of destruction.
Use them only when no other choice is left.
Hold on to them like a stone that cannot be carved away.
Peace is the condition of victory.
Violence will not bring peace to the world.
Achieve greatness with peace.
Victory cannot be achieved by force.
Win by no violence.
Use gentle, bland speech.
"One who is cut down does not meet his old self with more. "
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will
not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course
is sure to meet with its proper return.
2. Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the
sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.
3. A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. He does
not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his
mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against
being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes
it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for
mastery.
4. When things have attained their strong maturity they become old.
This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not
in accordance with it soon comes to an end.