Hexagram 4, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line presents a powerful and unambiguous warning through the metaphor of a socially inappropriate marriage. The "woman" represents a person, an opportunity, a project, or even an aspect of oneself that is fundamentally immature and lacks integrity. She is easily dazzled by superficial attractions—the "man of wealth" symbolizes power, status, money, or any glamorous but potentially corrupting influence. Upon seeing this, she "loses her self-possession" (不有躬), a crucial phrase indicating a complete lack of a stable inner core and self-respect. She gives herself away cheaply, abandoning any prior commitment or principle for a more tempting offer. The I Ching's judgment is absolute: "There is no advantage." Associating with such fickle and ungrounded energy can only lead to failure, betrayal, and loss. This is the folly of being attracted to surface-level glamour without inquiring into the substance and character beneath.

Guidance for Action

Your primary task is to exercise discernment and withdraw from a tempting but flawed situation. Do not commit. This line is a clear "no." Resist the urge to "fix," "educate," or "save" the person or situation in question; the commentary states their conduct is fundamentally inappropriate, implying this is not your battle to fight. Assess people and opportunities based on their integrity and substance, not their outward appeal. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true or that appeals to your vanity or greed. This is a moment for setting firm boundaries and walking away from entanglement. Any attempt to proceed will result in a disadvantageous and ultimately damaging outcome.

For Love & Relationships

This line is one of the clearest red flags in the I Ching regarding relationships. It points to a potential or current partner who is unreliable, opportunistic, and lacks a solid sense of self. They are easily swayed by superficial qualities like wealth, status, or physical appearance. Their loyalty is conditional and will evaporate the moment a "better" option (the "man of wealth") appears. A deep, trusting, and stable union is impossible with someone who "loses their self-possession" so easily. The advice is unequivocal: do not begin a commitment with this person. If you are already involved, this line is a stark warning that the foundation of your relationship is unsound and that you should prepare to end it to protect yourself from inevitable heartbreak and betrayal.

For Career & Business

In a professional context, this line warns against a specific person or opportunity. It could be a job offer that is glamorous on the surface but is with an unethical or unstable company. It could also represent a potential business partner, client, or key employee who is driven solely by self-interest and lacks loyalty. This individual will not hesitate to abandon a project, break an agreement, or sell out to a competitor if it serves their immediate advantage. Do not hire this person, enter into this partnership, or accept this deal. Their lack of integrity ("losing self-possession") guarantees that any venture built with them is destined to fail. Reject the temptation and seek collaborators and opportunities with proven substance and character.

For Financial Matters

This line is a strong warning against get-rich-quick schemes and speculative investments. The "woman" represents an investment opportunity that is all hype and glamour, while the "man of wealth" is the promise of quick, massive returns. However, the investment lacks fundamental value and a solid foundation. It is volatile and unreliable. Committing your resources here is a fool's errand. You will lose your capital because the venture has no integrity and will collapse under pressure or when a more attractive trend emerges. Avoid overly-hyped assets, financial advice that sounds too good to be true, and any scheme that appeals to greed over prudence. The final verdict, "There is no advantage," is a clear signal to protect your finances by completely avoiding this proposition.