Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 3

Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it);
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Good men do not argue.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who are good do not debate
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Good people don't argue.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Since I'm the sort of person who rarely backs away from a good 'ol argument or debate, I'm not really qualified to comment on today or tomorrow's line. So, I'll step back and defer to Derek Lin!

Those who are skillful in the art of living recognize the futility of arguments and refrain from engaging in debates. Sages let action reveal their virtues; they have no need to explain themselves with words.

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