Line by Line - Verse 62, Line 3

(Its) admirable words can purchase honor;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Sweet words can buy honor;
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Admirable words can win the public's respect
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Some people gain power and prestige through fancy words,
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

We could look at this line in one of two ways. On the one hand, if your intent is to "butter up" people, saying nice things about them or saying what it is that they want to hear, you can win them to your side. What you say doesn't necessarily need to be true or how you really feel, but it can buy your votes or influence.

On the other hand, if your intent is pure and you truly wish to motivate others, then you might speak to them in a peaceful (i.e., sweet) manner. When we harangue others, they are less likely to listen to what we have to say.

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