To compromise a great hate leaves ill-will behind; that only is a blessing which produces tranquillity.
Therefore the Holy Man does not pry into other people's affairs, 1 even when he holds the left-hand bond, 2 possessing the attributes of the Tao, he quietly holds his own; he who lacks the qualities of Tao strives to put everybody right. 3
It is heaven's way to be without favorites, 4 and to be always on the side of the good man. 5
128:1 In colloquial Chinese he does not blow aside the fur, to see if it contains burs or chips.
128:2 ''Contracts were written on two bamboo slips which fitted together, the left one containing the debit or obligations, the right one containing the credits or dues."—Carus, in loc.
The Sage is content with having the truth himself, without seeking to impose his knowledge on everybody else.
128:3 Cf. Matt. vii, 1-5, vid. T. T. K. chap. 60.
128:4 Cf. Rom. viii, 28.
128:5 Lit.—"The Heavenly Tao is without relatives; it ever sides with the good man."