江海之所以能为百谷王者，以其善下之，故能为百谷王。
1That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they;--it is thus that they are the kings of them all.
是以圣人欲上民，必以言下之；欲先民，必以身后之。
2So it is that the sage (ruler), wishing to be above men, puts himself by his words below them, and, wishing to be before them, places his person behind them.
是以圣人处上而民不重，处前而民不害。
3In this way though he has his place above them, men do not feel his weight, nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an injury to them.
是以天下乐推而不厌。
4Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of him.
以其不争，故天下莫能与之争。
5Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive with him.