Profound virtue is indeed deep and wide. It leads all things back to the great order.
Who can wait quietly until the mud settles? Who can remain still until the moment of action?
The more laws that are written, the more criminals are produced.
Why are the people rebellious? Because the rulers interfere too much. Therefore they are rebellious.
Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.
He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that is worn out shall be renewed. He who has little shall succeed. He who has much shall go astray.