As honest words may not sound fine,

Fine words may not be honest ones;

That only one who bears the nation's shame

Is fit to be is hallowed lord;

That only one who takes upon himself

The evils of the world may be it's king.

This is paradox.

For this, they do not fear to die.

So they, without the means to live,

In virtue rise above those men

Who value life above its worth.

My words are easy just to understand:

To live by them is very easy too;

Yet it appears that none in all the world

Can understand or make them come to life.

Compassion

Frugality

Humility

How used the ancients to honour the Way?

Didn't they say that the seeker may find it,

And that sinners who find are forgiven?

So did they lift up the Way and its Virtue

Above everything else in the world.

Rule a large country

As small fish are cooked.

Those who know do not talk

And talkers do not know.

Cultivate it in the world,

and Virtue will be universal.

Compassion at its best

Consists in honest deeds;

Morality at best

Is something done, aforethought;

High etiquette, when acted out

Without response from others,

Constrains a man to bare his arms

And make them do their duty!

The Wise Man is always good at helping people, so that none are cast out; he is always good at saving things, so that none are thrown away. This is called applied intelligence.

If high rank comes to one or leaves him, he will suffer for the egotism involved. Only those to whom high rank is a great trust and who love people are fit for government.

... those who are free from the love of wealth would never be robbed.