Grace (Bì)

Judgment

贲：亨。小利有攸往。

Plain Meaning：Grace brings success; adornment favors small ventures—substance must underlie the form.

Image (Great Commentary)

山下有火，贲；君子以明庶政，无敢折狱。

Line Texts

• 初九贲其趾，舍车而徒。

  Adorning the toes—leaving the carriage to walk; integrity over comfort.

• 六二贲其须。

  Adorning the beard—ornament follows substance.

• 九三贲如濡如，永贞吉。

  Graceful and glistening—perpetual steadfastness brings fortune.

• 六四贲如皤如，白马翰如，匪寇婚媾。

  Grace in white, a white horse swift as wings—not a robber but a suitor.

• 六五贲于丘园，束帛戋戋，吝，终吉。

  Grace in hills and gardens with a small roll of silk—frugal, yet fortune in the end.

• 上九白贲，无咎。

  White, unadorned grace—no blame; return to simplicity.

Symbolism

Fire at the foot of the mountain: beauty of form and culture.

Life Lesson

Form serves substance; the highest grace is simplicity.

Modern Application

Presentation matters, but substance decides; avoid over-polishing.

Words of Caution

Ornament without substance yields only small gains.