|
其政闷闷，
|
When the government is simple, |
|
其民淳淳；
|
The people are sincere; |
|
其政察察，
|
When the government is severe, |
|
其民缺缺。
|
The people are devious. |
|
祸兮，
|
Misfortune lies in fortune, |
|
福之所倚，
|
Fortune hides in misfortune. |
|
福兮，
|
Who can see the end? |
|
祸之所伏。
|
There is no absolute. |
|
孰知其极？
|
What is right can become strange, |
|
其无正也。
|
What is good can turn evil. |
|
正复为奇，
|
Humanity has been confused, |
|
善复为妖。
|
For a very long time. |
|
人之迷，
|
Therefore the sage is sharp but does not harm, |
|
其日固久。
|
Direct but gentle, |
|
是以圣人方而不割，
|
Honest but modest, |
|
廉而不刿，
|
Radiant but not dazzling. |