Rivers and seas rule the hundred valleys
because they lie below them.
Thus they are masters of the hundred valleys.

So the sage, wishing to stand above people,
speaks with humility.
Wishing to lead the people,
she steps behind them.

Thus the sage stands above,
yet the people feel no burden;
she leads them,
yet the people feel no harm.

Therefore the world delights in lifting her up
and never grows weary.
Because she does not contend,
no one under heaven can contend against her.