During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), Prince Zhou Xu of the State of Wei killed his brother and seized the throne. Zhou Xu was a tyrant. He oppressed his people and indulged in wars of aggression. By launching wars, he sought to divert public attention and reduce discontent to consolidate his dictatorship.
The Duke of the State of Lu learned of Zhou Xu's usurpation and his ambitious plans. He asked a senior official, "What do you think of Zhou Xu's actions?"
The official replied, "He indulges in wars, bringing great disaster to his people. He will not gain their support. He is capricious, so few of his close allies remain loyal. He can never succeed. Moreover, war is like fire. If one launches wars endlessly without restraint, he will eventually burn himself."
Sure enough, within a year, the people of Wei, with help from the State of Chen, overthrew Zhou Xu and killed him.
Later, people used this story to mean that those who do evil will ultimately bring about their own ruin.