Shi, six at the topHexagram 7, line 6 · Shi (The Army) · changing to 4
The line
In plain wordsThe war is over; rewards are handed out according to merit, with lands granted and houses founded. But petty people, even if they have earned merit, should only be given money, never power or position.
The Image commentary on this line
大君有命，以正功也。小人勿用，必亂邦也。
"The great ruler issues his commands": this is to make the merit correct. "Do not employ petty people": they would surely throw the state into disorder.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
平Neutral. The text gives no verdict, only an image. Ask what in your situation the image resembles. The answer is there.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Now that the job is done, reward people according to their merit. But for anyone whose character can't be trusted, reward the merit, and don't hand over important posts or power.
- Love
- Now that a hard stretch is behind you, remember and thank whoever truly helped you. But with people who like to stir up trouble or whose intentions aren't good, polite is enough; don't let them steer your love life.
- Money
- When the money is made, divide it by how much each person put in, and give everyone what they are due. You can repay those who helped with money, but don't hand control of the purse or the decisions to anyone unreliable.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Shi.
Line position
A yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Shi (The Army); when this line changes it becomes Meng (Youthful Ignorance): hexagram 7 changing to 4.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Meng (Youthful Ignorance)
You can't see clearly right now because you don't yet understand. It is time to go and ask, not to keep guessing.