Chapter 77
第七十七章
May not the Way (or Tao) of Heaven be compared to the (method of) bending a bow?
天之道，其犹张弓与；
The (part of the bow) which was high is brought low, and what was low is raised up.
高者抑之，下者举之，
(So Heaven) diminishes where there is superabundance, and supplements where there is deficiency.
有余者损之，不足者补之。
It is the Way of Heaven to diminish superabundance, and to supplement deficiency.
天之道损有余而补不足。

It is not so with the way of man. He takes away from those who have not enough to add to his own superabundance.
人之道则不然，损不足以奉有余。
Who can take his own superabundance and therewith serve all under heaven?
孰能有余以奉于天下？
Only he who is in possession of the Tao!
唯有道者。
Therefore the (ruling) sage acts without claiming the results as his;
是以圣人为而不侍，
he achieves his merit and does not rest (arrogantly) in it:--he does not wish to display his superiority.
功成而不处。其不欲见贤。