Page 182 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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Chapter 58
Paradox

a
When the country is ruled with a light hand
The people lead simple and honest lives
When the country is ruled with an iron fist
b
The people become shrewd and cunning

c
Misfortune is but the shadow of good fortune
Good fortune is but the cloak of misfortune
d
Who knows when the last day will come?

e
Is there any righteousness as it appears to be?
What appears right develops into awkwardness
What appears good develops into evil
The people have long been confused by this

Thus, the wise are: f
Righteous without being condemning
Pointed without being piercing
Straightforward without being ruthless
Filled with light without being flashy