Before Completion (Wèi Jì)

Judgment

未济：亨，小狐汔济，濡其尾，无攸利。

Plain Meaning：Before completion: success beckons—but the little fox wets its tail near the far bank; nothing furthers if the finish fails.

Image (Great Commentary)

火在水上，未济；君子以慎辨物居方。

Line Texts

• 初六濡其尾，吝。

  Wetting the tail in a rash crossing—humiliation.

• 九二曳其轮，贞吉。

  Dragging the wheel—steadfast restraint brings fortune.

• 六三未济，征凶，利涉大川。

  Advancing too soon is ominous; yet crossing the great water will further when ready.

• 九四贞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有赏于大国。

  Steadfast fortune; shaking resolve conquers in three years, rewarded by the great kingdom.

• 六五贞吉，无悔，君子之光，有孚，吉。

  Steadfast, without remorse—the noble one’s light shines with sincerity; fortune.

• 上九有孚于饮酒，无咎，濡其首，有孚失是。

  Trusting ease with wine—no blame; but soaking the head in revelry loses the truth.

Symbolism

Fire above water, not yet in place: the unfinished—and a new beginning.

Life Lesson

Nearing the goal demands the greatest care; every ending seeds a new start.

Modern Application

In the final stretch, steady the pace; after the finish, begin anew.

Words of Caution

A lapse one step from the shore wastes the whole crossing.