Verse 43

The most yielding of all things overcomes the hardest of all things.
That which has no substance enters where there is no crevice.
Hence, I know the value of action without striving.

Few things under heaven bring more benefit than
the lessons learned from silence and
the actions taken without striving.

Verse 44

Your integrity or your body: Which is more important?
Your body or your possessions: Which is worth more?

Gain or loss: Which is more harmful?
Thus it is that the miser will pay much.

The hoarder will suffer great loss.
Be content with what you have and you will not be disgraced.

Know when to stop and you will be preserved from danger.
Only in this way will you long endure.

Verse 45

Great accomplishment seems incomplete, yet its use is not impaired.
Great fullness seems empty, yet it will never be drained.

Great straightness looks crooked.
Great skill appears clumsy.
Great eloquence sounds like stammering.

Movement overcomes cold, stillness overcomes heat.
The calm and quiet set right everything under heaven.

Verse 46

When the Tao prevails in the world
swift horses are used to fertilise the fields.

When the Tao is unheeded
war horses are bred on the border lands.

There is no greater offence than harbouring desires.
There is no greater disaster than discontent.

There is no greater misfortune than wanting more.
Hence, if you are content
You will always have enough.