第七章

天长，地久。天地之所以能长且久者，以其不自生也，故能长生。

是以圣人后其身而身先，外其身而身存，非以其无私邪？故能成其私。

Chapter 7

The Heaven and Earth are eternal, because their existence is not just for themselves, so they can be everlasting. 

Hence, sages are refrained from striving for advantages and yet become advantageous, from staying away in disputes and gain survival. Doesn’t he always obtain the final goal with his unselfishness? 

第八章

上善若水。水善利万物而不争，处众人之所恶，故几于道。

居，善地；心，善渊；与，善仁；言，善信；政，善治；事，善能；动，善时。

夫唯不争，故无尤。

Chapter 8

The ultimate kindness resembles water, which benefits everything and yet avoid contention. It resides in locations loathed by others, and this is very close to Tao. 

Selective in dwelling, profound in thinking, compassionate in relationships, trustworthy in words, effective in governing, capable in tasks, timely in action. 

Hence he would not err due to no effort in contention.

第九章

持而盈之，不如其已；揣而锐之，不可长保; 金玉满堂，莫之能守；富贵而骄，自遗其咎。

功成身退，天之道也。

Chapter 9

Rather take a pause before the vessel is brimming; a blade can't be kept for too long if it's too sharp. Treasures can't be protected if already roomful. Disaster is ominous when arrogance takes place. 

Step back when mission is accomplished, and that is the right way.