The seven harms are these: First, those without wisdom, strategy, or tactical sense who, lured by heavy rewards and high rank, are recklessly brave and make light of battle, seeking lucky victories abroad — the king must never make them generals. Second, those who have reputation but no substance, who say different things coming and going, who conceal the good and broadcast the evil, who maneuver for advantage — the king must never consult with them. Third, those who make themselves appear plain in body and shabby in dress, who speak of non-action to seek fame and profess desirelessness to seek profit — these are frauds, and the king must never draw near them. Fourth, those who affect exotic caps and sashes, grand in their attire, who are broadly learned and rhetorically clever, who engage in empty lofty discourse to appear impressive, who live in poverty and seclusion while slandering the customs of the age — these are treacherous men, and the king must never favor them. Fifth, slanderers and flatterers who will do anything for gain, who seek office and rank, who are recklessly brave and make light of death out of greed for salary and position, who plan nothing great but move only for profit, who use lofty talk and empty arguments to ingratiate themselves with the ruler — the king must never employ them. Sixth, those who produce carved ornaments, intricate artistry, and lavish decorations that damage agriculture — the king must prohibit these. Seventh, those who practice false arts and strange techniques, sorcery and heterodox ways, who speak inauspicious words and bewitch the good people with illusions — the king must stop these.'
