Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 4

the disputatious are not skilled in it.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Those who argue are not good.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

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

People who argue aren't good.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Let's continue with Derek Lin's commentary on the previous line and this one.

Sometimes we think we are helping friends by arguing with them, but because this brings contention into the relationship, it can do more harm than good. People are rarely at their best when a debate causes them to become defensive and stubborn. It would be better for us to leave the matter alone, and wait for the right time to approach the subject.

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