If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish. If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given. This is called the subtler perception of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast. Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.

Wary, as if surrounded by strangers.

A multitude of words is tiresome, unlike remaining centered.

Take care with the end as you do with the beginning

I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness.

The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.

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