1. may not the way (or tao) of heaven be compared to the (method of) bending a bow? the (part of the bow) which was high is brought low, and what was low is raised up. (so heaven) diminishes where there is superabundance, and supplements where there is deficiency.

2. it is the way of heaven to diminish superabundance, and to supplement deficiency. it is not so with the way of man. he takes away from those who have not enough to add to his own superabundance.

3. who can take his own superabundance and therewith serve all under heaven? only he who is in possession of the tao!

4. therefore the (ruling) sage acts without claiming the results as his; he achieves his merit and does not rest (arrogantly) in it:--he does not wish to display his superiority.

天之道，其犹张弓者欤？高者抑之，下者举之，有余者损之，不足者补之。

天之道，损有余而补不足；人之道则不然，损不足以奉有余。

孰能有余以奉天下？唯有道者。

是以圣人为而不恃，功成而不处，其不欲见贤也。

【译文】

理想的范式，不就像那使弓趋于浑圆的作用一样吗？高的地方把它压低，低的地方把它抬高，有余的地方把它减损，不足的地方把它补足。理想的范式，减损有余的，弥补不足的；而人的行为惯律则减损不足的，奉养有余的。谁能使自己不断地有余以奉养天下？只有道者。因此，圣人做成了什么并不执为仗恃，成就了什么并不居功自矜，他不愿意使自己显得过分突出。