Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.
He (the Sage) does not show off, therefore he shines.
All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.
When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back so that people won't be confused. He teaches without a teaching, so that people will have nothing to learn.
What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out
When good thing are accomplished, it does not claim (or name) them. This is Te, which is close in meaning to power or virtue. It is something within a person, and it is enhanced by following the Tao, or 'that from which nothing can deviate'.