The skilled Wayfarers of ancient days
Did not use the Way to enlighten people
But to humble them

Those who are difficult to teach
Use their intellect far too much!

Use intellect to govern a nation
And you're a traitor

Govern without intellect
And you are its fortune

The one who knows these two is a model to follow
And their nature kens the model
Following it, they have depth of Character
A character so deep and so distant!

It is only conferred upon those who turn around!
Only behind you can you find the boundless to follow

古之善為道者
非以明民
將以愚之

民之難治
以其智多

故以智治國
國之賊

不以智治國
國之福

知此兩者亦稽式
常知稽式
是謂玄德
玄德深矣遠矣

與物反矣
然後乃至大順