The Family (Jiā Rén)

Judgment

家人：利女贞。

Plain Meaning：The family: correctness in the woman furthers—each keeping their proper place.

Image (Great Commentary)

风自火出，家人；君子以言有物而行有恒。

Line Texts

• 初九闲有家，悔亡。

  Firm rules set for the household from the start—remorse disappears.

• 六二无攸遂，在中馈，贞吉。

  Not acting on her own but tending the household fare—steadfast fortune.

• 九三家人嗃嗃，悔厉吉；妇子嘻嘻，终吝。

  Stern household—regret and danger yet fortune; giddy indulgence ends in humiliation.

• 六四富家，大吉。

  Enriching the household—supreme fortune.

• 九五王假有家，勿恤，吉。

  The king reaches his family with virtue—no worry; fortune.

• 上九有孚威如，终吉。

  Sincerity with dignity—fortune in the end.

Symbolism

Wind rising from fire: order spreading from within the family.

Life Lesson

Order the family with integrity; each in their role, words substantial, conduct constant.

Modern Application

Run a family or team with clear rules, roles, and balanced firmness.

Words of Caution

Unchecked indulgence ruins the household in the end.