The Dao is the profound mystery of all things — Ao means "mystery" or "hidden place". The Dao is the hidden refuge of all things, containing everything within it. It is the treasure of a good person; a good person regards the Dao as their most precious possession and dares not violate it. It is also the safeguard for an unvirtuous person. The Dao is what the unvirtuous rely on for protection. When encountering misfortune or sudden danger, they still know to regret their actions and humble themselves. Fine words can be traded in the marketplace — only fine words are suitable for trade in the market. In a marketplace, buyers and sellers transact and then part ways; they do not necessarily value kind words or beautiful speech. The seeker wants to obtain quickly, while the seller wishes to sell swiftly. Respectful conduct can gain entry into esteemed circles. Jia means "to be accepted" or "to join".

A person who possesses noble and dignified conduct can distinguish themselves from ordinary people, but this is still insufficient to honor the Dao. What reason is there to abandon a person who lacks virtue? Even if a person lacks virtue, one should use the Dao to transform them. In the time before the Three Sovereigns, there were no people who were abandoned; moral influence was pure and sincere. Therefore, emperors were established, and the Three Dukes were appointed, in order to teach and transform those lacking virtue. Even if one presents a carved jade disc before four horses in procession, it is not as valuable as sitting quietly and advancing along this Dao. The ancients valued this Dao so highly; why then do people not seek to attain it every day? The reason the ancients valued this Dao is because they did not travel far or constantly seek externally, but instead attained it internally through self-cultivation. Can one be spared from punishment for having committed a crime? "Having committed a crime" refers to living in a time of chaos, when an ignorant ruler arbitrarily imposes corporal punishment; cultivating the Dao can lead to escaping death and being exempted from the crowd. Therefore, it is held as precious throughout the world. The Dao and De are profound and far-reaching, covering and benefiting all things; preserving one's body and governing the state with tranquility and non-action is why it can be considered precious throughout the world.