The highest good is like water
Water benefits everything by giving
without taking or contending.
It likes the place others dislike,
so it follows closely the divine law.
The place should be low,
the mind broad,
the gifts kind,
the speech trustworthy,
the rule sound,
the deed well-done,
the action timely.
Without contention,
a man is blameless.
上善若水,
水善利万物而不争。
处众人之所恶(wù),
故几于道。
居善地,
心善渊,
与善仁,
言善信,
正善治,
事善能,
动善时。
夫唯不争,故无尤。