Religion
Chapter 9
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself. When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 9.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/8/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 9.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/8/.
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