38.

Supreme virtue is not virtuous.

Thus it manifests virtue.

The least virtue does not lose virtue,

but does not possess it.

Supreme virtue takes no action

and needs no action.

Inferior virtue acts on its own.

Supreme compassion acts without forethought.

Supreme justice requires action.

Highest propriety acts,

when people don’t respond,

it excludes them.

Hence, lose Tao, and virtue follows;

lose virtue, and compassion follows;

lose compassion, justice follows;

lose justice, and propriety follows.

Propriety makes a veneer

of loyalty and sincerity,

and discord sets in.

Foreknowledge reveals

the flowering of the Tao

and yet delusions begin.

Therefore the sage inhabits the substantial,

not dwelling in the superficial,

knowing fruit from flower,

discarding the latter, grasping the former.