What this hexagram is about
Heaven and water move in opposite directions — the image of strife and litigation. It warns that conflict is dangerous: make peace where peace is possible, and take care from the very start; even with right on one's side, it is unwise to push a quarrel to its bitter end.
The Judgment 卦辞
讼，有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
You are sincere yet blocked; a wary halt midway brings good fortune, carrying it to the end brings misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person; not favorable to cross the great river.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：天与水违行，讼；君子以作事谋始。
Heaven and water move in opposite directions; so the noble person, in all dealings, plans well from the start.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
不永所事，讼不可长也。
Not prolonging the matter — for conflict must not be drawn out.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。
Even were one granted a noble's sash for winning the suit, it would be stripped away three times in a single day — what is gained by improper means can never be kept.
Nine in the fifth place讼，元吉。
In matters of dispute, let an impartial judge decide — great good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place不克讼，复即命，渝，安贞吉。
When the suit cannot be won, turn the heart around and yield to what is right; change one's stance, keep to the proper way, and there is good fortune.
Six in the third place食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。
Resting in one's established income and grace, holding to what is right — though there is danger, the end is good fortune; and should one serve the sovereign, one claims no credit for oneself.
Nine in the second place不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户，无眚。
When the suit cannot be won, withdraw and give way; content with a small town of three hundred households, keeping to one's place, one comes to no harm.
Initial Six不永所事，小有言，终吉。
Not to drag the dispute on and on; though there is some friction of words, the end is good fortune.