The Way births them
Virtue raises them
Matter forms them
Energy perfects them
So all things venerate the Way and cherish Character

Veneration of the Way and cherishment of Character
Is never by instruction, it always comes naturally

The Way births them
Character raises them
Leads them, nurtures them
Watches them, endangers them
Supports them, trips them

Birthing without grasping
Acting without expecting
Leading without controlling
That is the deep Character of the Way

道生之
德畜之
物形之
勢成之
是以萬物莫不尊道而貴德

道之尊德之貴
夫莫之命而常自然

故道生之
德畜之
長之育之
亭之毒之
養之覆之

生而不有
為而不恃
長而不宰
是謂玄德