The river and sea are able rulers of the one hundred valleys
For they like to flow down them
They're able to rule them

Knowing this, the Sage seeks the highest people;
Surely his words trickle beneath them
Seeks the foremost people;
Surely he stands behind them

Because of this, the Sage stands above the people, yet does not weigh upon them
Stands in front of the people, yet does not mislead them
And the world celebrates without tiring,

Because he does not contend
The world is not able to contend with him

江海所以能為百谷王者
以其善下之
故能為百谷王

是以聖人欲上民
必以言下之
欲先民
必以身後之

是以聖人處上而民不重
處前而民不害
是以天下樂推而不厭

以其不爭
故天下莫能與之爭