Line by Line - Verse 27, Lines 15-16

and he who has not the skill is the helper of (the reputation of) him who has the skill.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

What is a bad man?
A good man's charge.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The bad person is the resource of the good person
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

(No corresponding line)
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Continuing the theme I employed yesterday, when we commit acts that bring disharmony into our lives, it provides us with concrete object lessons. If we allow ourselves to be open to the opportunity to gain useful wisdom, we learn from each misstep we take. Those acts and thoughts that lead us away from harmony and unity CAN become the bridges to lead us back.

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