1. the softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. i know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose).

2. there are few in the world who attain to the teaching without words, and the advantage arising from non-action.

天下之至柔，驰骋天下之至坚。

无有入于无间。

吾是以知无为之有益。

不言之教，无为之益，天下希及之。

【译文】

天下最柔弱的行为者，同时也是行遍天下无所不克的最坚强者。虚无的道可以进入一切存在起作用。我因此懂得了不执着于名的“无为”的好处。“不言”的劝教，“无为”的好处，普天下没有什么比得上。