Verse 16

Empty everything out; hold fast to your stillness.
Even though all things are stirring together,
watch for the movement of return.

The ten thousand things flourish and then
each returns to the root from which it came.

Returning to the root is stillness.
Through stillness each fulfils its destiny.

That which has fulfilled its destiny
becomes part of the Always-so.

To be aware of the Always-so is to awaken.
Those who innovate while in ignorance of the Always-so
move toward disaster.

Those who act with awareness of the Always-so
embrace all, are not possessed by particular desire,
and move toward the Tao.

Those who are at one with the Tao abide forever.
Even after their bodies waste away, they are safe and whole.

Verse 17

The best leader is one whose existence is barely known by the people.

Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one they fear.
Next comes one they defy.

If you do not trust enough, you will not be trusted.
True Persons do not offer words lightly.

When their task is accomplished
and their work is completed,
the people say, “It happened to us naturally.”

Verse 18

When the great Tao is forgotten,
benevolence and moral codes arise.

When shrewdness and cleverness appear,
great hypocrisy follows.

When there is no harmony in the family,
filial manners are developed

When the country is in disorder,
ministers appear as loyal servants.

Verse 19

Stop being learned and your troubles will end.
Give up wisdom, discard cleverness,
and the people will benefit a hundredfold.

Give up benevolence, discard moral judgements,
and the people will rediscover natural compassion.

Give up shrewdness, discard gain,
and thieves and robbers will disappear.

These three false adornments are not enough to live by.
They must give way to something more solid.

Look for what is simple and hold onto the Uncarved Block.
Diminish thoughts of self and restrain desires.