So sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind; Sometimes breathing is hard, sometimes it comes easily; Sometimes there is strength and sometimes weakness; Sometimes one is up and sometimes down. Therefore the sage avoids extremes, excesses, and complacency.

Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.

The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.

Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.

The wise man, after learning something new, is afraid to learn anything more until he has put his first lesson into practice.

There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontent. And there is no greater disaster than greed.

Better stop short than fill to the brim. Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt. Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.