天之道,
|
The Dao of heaven, |
其犹张弓欤?
|
Is like the bending of a bow. |
高者抑之,
|
It lowers the high, |
下者举之;
|
And raises the low; |
有馀者损之,
|
It lessens where there is excess, |
不足者补之。
|
And adds where there is deficiency. |
天之道,
|
The Dao of heaven, |
损有馀而补不足。
|
Reduces surplus and replenishes lack. |
人之道,
|
Human ways, |
则不然,
|
Are not like this, |
损不足以奉有馀。
|
They take from the needy to serve the excessive. |
孰能有馀以奉天下,
|
Who can give their surplus to the world? |
唯有道者。
|
Only those who embody the Dao. |
是以圣人为而不恃,
|
Therefore the sage acts without relying on force, |
功成而不处,
|
Achieves without dwelling, |
其不欲见贤。
|
And does not desire to display virtue. |