第79章 · 原文
现代白话译文
调解深重的怨恨，必然会有余留的怨恨；用德来报答怨恨，怎么可以算是妥善的呢？因此圣人拿着契约的存根，而不向人索取偿还。有德的人就像掌握契约的人一样宽容，无德的人就像掌管税收的人一样苛求。天道没有偏爱，永远帮助善人。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
When peace is made between great enemies, Some enmity is bound to remain undispelled. How can this be considered perfect? Therefore the sage takes the left-hand tally, but exacts no payment from the people. The man of virtue takes charge of the tally; The man of no virtue takes charge of exaction. It is the way of heaven to show no favoritism. It is for ever on the side of the good man.
Robert Henricks
1. To make peace where there has been great resentment, there is bound to be resentment left over. 2. How could this be regarded as good? 3. Therefore the Sage [holds] the right tally yet makes no demands of others. 4. For this reason, those who have virtue are in charge of the tally; 5. Those without virtue are in charge of the taxes. 6. The Way of Heaven has no favorites, 7. It's always with the good man. [7a Virtue — 3,041 (characters)]
Addiss & Lombardo
When settling great resentment, some resentment must remain. How can this be considered good? Therefore the sage holds the left side of the contract but does not demand from others. Those with virtue hold the contract, those without virtue collect taxes. The way of heaven has no favorites, but always helps the good.
Arthur Waley
(To requite injuries with good deeds.) To allay the main discontent, But only in a manner that will certainly produce further discontents can hardly be called successful. Therefore the Sage behaves like the holder of the left-hand tally, Who stays where he is and does not go round making claims on people. For he who has the "power" of Tao is the Grand Almoner; He who has not the "power" is the Grand Perquisitor. "It is Heaven's way, without distinction of persons, To keep the good perpetually supplied."
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
Failure is an opportunity. If you blame someone else, there is no end to the blame. Therefore the Master fulfills her own obligations and corrects her own mistakes. She does what she needs to do and demands nothing of others.