Line by Line - Verse 24, Lines 7-9

Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

According to followers of the Tao, "These are extra food and unnecessary luggage."
They do not bring happiness.
Therefore followers of the Tao avoid them.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those with the Tao call such things leftover food or tumors
They despise them
Thus, those who possesses the Tao do not engage in them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Think of being in touch with Tao like eating at a buffet:
Put on your plate only as much as you need.
Save some for everybody else.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

While Ron Hogan's rendition doesn't match perfectly with the other three, I still think he captures the basic gist of it in common parlance.

When we are pompous, self-righteous and boastful, we desire more than what is sufficient. When you or I take more than we need, then someone else receives less than what they need. This is as true for food and property as it is for love and nurturance.

Live simply and everyone has the opportunity to live more happily.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.