Hexagram 17, Suí (Following): Line 4
随卦九四 · 泽雷随 · 中文版
九四：随有获，贞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。
The line (Legge)
The fourth NINE, undivided, shows us one followed and obtaining (adherents). Though he be firm and correct, there will be evil. If he be sincere (however) in his course, and make that evident, into what error will he fall?
Small Image commentary
'He is followed and obtains adherents:' - according to the idea (of the hexagram), this is evil. 'He is sincere in his course:' - showing his intelligence, and leading to achievement.
象曰：随有获，其义凶也。有孚在道，明功也。
In plain words
Being followed brings gains, but holding to this is dangerous; with good faith, on the right way and with clear understanding, what fault could there be? The fourth line is close to the ruler in the fifth place, yet has everyone following it, and risks overshadowing its lord. The Small Image says gains from being followed are dangerous in principle, and good faith on the right way is the effect of clear sight.
Applying it to your situation
If many people start to follow you while someone stands above you, this line suggests keeping faith and knowing your place. Have your successes made anyone uneasy?
Position
A solid (yang) line in the fourth place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 1; both are yang, so they do not respond.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Suí changes into Hexagram 3 Zhūn (Difficulty at the Beginning). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·随之屯.
The hexagram
Hexagram 17 Suí (Following). The Judgment: Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.
Previous: Line 3 · Next: Line 5
English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.