The Abysmal Water坎

In plain words

The situation: Trouble after trouble, like falling into pits.

What you can do: Keep faith, take one step at a time, and do not take chances.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

1. 上六係用徽纆，寘于叢棘，三歲不得，凶。Bound with black cords and put among thorn bushes. For three years nothing is gained. Misfortune.In shortStuck for a long time with no way out is unfavorable; step back, protect yourself, and seek a way slowly.
2. 九五坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。The pit is not yet full, but it is already level. No fault.In shortThe hole is not filled yet, but it is nearly level; there is no real problem.
3. 六四樽酒簋貳，用缶，納約自牖，終无咎。A jug of wine, a basket of grain, plain earthen vessels, passed in through the window. No fault in the end.In shortReach out simply and sincerely through whatever small opening you have; it ends without trouble.
4. 六三來之坎坎，險且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。Coming and going, pit upon pit. Danger, so rest and wait. You fall into the deep hollow. Do not act.In shortDanger lies both ahead and behind; do not act yet, wait for an opening.
5. 九二坎有險，求小得。The pit is dangerous. Seek small gains.In shortYou are in a risky place; aim only for small gains and take one step at a time.
6. 初六習坎，入于坎窞，凶。Pit upon pit, falling into the deep hollow. Misfortune.In shortYou keep falling into trouble and sink deeper; this is unfavorable, so stop moving rashly.