The wise do not speak. The wise value action over words. Those who speak are not wise. A four-horse chariot cannot catch up with the tongue; excessive speech brings many troubles. Seal its orifices, close its gates. To seal and close them is to want to cut off their source. Dull its sharpness. When desires are keen and eager, one should contemplate the Dao of non-action to curb them. Unravel its entanglements. Fen means being bound by hatred without end. One should contemplate the Dao's tranquility and fear to resolve it. Harmonize its brilliance. Although one may have unique insight, one should harmonize it to make it obscure and not allow it to shine and cause disorder. Blend with the dust.

One should not distinguish oneself as different. This is called profound unity. Xuan means Heaven. A person who can practice these superior matters is said to be in harmony with the Dao of Heaven. Therefore, one cannot be won over by affection. One does not take honor and reputation as joy; one stands alone in sorrow. Nor can one be alienated; With a mind at peace and without desire, therefore one has no grudges with others. Cannot be tempted by profit; The body does not desire wealth or rank, the mouth does not crave the five flavors. Nor can one be harmed; One does not compete for profit with the greedy, nor contend for spirit with the brave. Cannot be made noble; Does not serve as a ruler in a chaotic age, does not hold office under an ignorant sovereign. Nor can one be made lowly; Does not become arrogant due to power, does not become humbled due to loss of ambition. Therefore, such a person is esteemed throughout the world. With virtue like this, even an emperor cannot make them a subject, and feudal lords cannot subdue them; they drift with the world, preserving themselves from harm, hence they are esteemed throughout the land.