Again, the Sage takes a back seat and so is able to rule. Rushing out in front would only lead to his premature death.
To be brave in temerity leads to getting killed;
To be brave in timidity leads to gaining life.
Of these two: one brings profit, one brings loss.
Regarding what heaven hates, who knows the cause thereof?
[For this reason, the Sage also sees it as difficult.]
The way of heaven is:
not to fight yet still be good at winning victory;
not to speak yet still be good at replying;
not to summon yet still have people spontaneously arrive;
to be at rest yet still be good at plotting.
Heaven’s net is broad, yet its mesh is such that none escape.