The way of heaven, is it not like the stringing of a bow?
The high end is lowered, the low is raised up.
If the string is too long, it is shortened.
If the string is too short, it is lengthened.
The way of heaven takes from the excessive,
and gives to the insufficient.
The way of man is different.
Those with too much take from those who have too little.
Who keeps just enough, and gives the rest to the world?
Only observers of Tao.
The sage works without expectations,
achieves without taking credit.
He does not desire to seem worthy.