Line by Line - Verse 38, Line 10

(Those who) possessed the highest righteousness were (always seeking) to carry it out, and had need to be so doing.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

When a just man does something, he leaves a great deal to be done.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

High righteousness takes contrived action
And acts with agenda
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

When the just act,
they're always sure
they're doing the right thing.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Here's how Derek Lin explains the differences between today's line[s] and yesterday's line[s].

Benevolence and righteousness are a bit different. Those who have the former contrive to act in benevolent ways, but because they do so out of compassion, their actions are free of personal agendas and attachments. Those who have the latter are also contrived, but because they feel so strongly justified in themselves, their actions always reflect their motives.

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