My mission is to introduce the knowledgeable
To walking the boundless Way
Only sharing it with the meek

The Way truly is a level path
Yet the people love a shortcut

When court meetings fade to back alleys
And fields are overtaken by weeds
And granaries are beset by emptiness

When they are adorned with patterned silk
And strapped with sharp blades
And feasting on food and drink
And riches and gold are abound

Are they not just robber barons
Violating the Way?

使我介然有知
行於大道
唯施是畏

大道甚夷
而人好徑

朝甚除
田甚蕪
倉甚虛

服文綵
帶利劍
厭飲食
財貨有餘

是謂盜夸
非道也哉