If your own enemy becomes an apparent friend

Beware, do not be safe from his deception.

For his inside will be wounded with hatred towards you

When he remembers the affection of his own kin.

Do not see the sweet words of the malevolent

For it is possible for there to be poison in honey.

Someone saves his life from the harm of the enemy

Who considers even his friends as (potential) enemies.

That mischievous one keeps his money in his purse

Who sees all people as purse-snatchers (thieves).

A soldier who rebels against his commander

Do not employ him in your service as much as you can.

He who did not appreciate his own leader

Will not appreciate you either, fear his treachery.

Do not rely on his oaths and promises

Appoint a secret guard over him.

Give the novice a long rope (give him time and opportunity)

Do not break it, lest you never see him again.

When you capture the enemy's territory through war and siege

Entrust it to its prisoners (former inhabitants).

For a captive, like a tooth embedded in blood (firmly attached)

Will extract blood from the throat of the oppressor.

When you wrest a land from the enemy's hand

Keep the populace in a better condition than he did.

For if he knocks on the door of battle again

The common people will bring ruin upon him.

And if you harm the city dwellers

Do not close the city gates in the face of the enemy.

Do not say the enemy is wielding his sword at the gate

For the enemy's accomplice is inside the city.