Chapter 51
第五十一章
All things are produced by the Tao, and nourished by its outflowing operation.
道生之，德畜之，
They receive their forms according to the nature of each, and are completed according to the circumstances of their condition.
物形之，势成之。
Therefore all things without exception honour the Tao, and exalt its outflowing operation.
是以万物莫不尊道而贵德。

This honouring of the Tao and exalting of its operation is not the result of any ordination, but always a spontaneous tribute.
道之尊，德之贵，夫莫之命而常自然。
Thus it is that the Tao produces (all things), nourishes them,
故道生之，德畜之，
brings them to their full growth, nurses them, completes them, matures them, maintains them, and overspreads them.
长之育之，亭之毒之；养之覆之。
It produces them and makes no claim to the possession of them; it carries them through their processes and does not vaunt its ability in doing so;
生而不有，为而不恃，
it brings them to maturity and exercises no control over them;--this is called its mysterious operation.
长而不宰，是谓玄德。