Lao Tse Tao Te Ching quotes chapter 66

We need to gain a clear idea of two words in this chapter of Lao Tse Tao Te Ching quotes before we read the original text. The sage in this chapter refers to the sage king who had more consideration for common people. In Confucius' words, it is a king who had the virtue of humanity. The 'words' in second paragraph means the government order. Lao Tse thought the sage king should not make his order domineer over his common people. Following content is the original text of this chapter of Lao Tse Tao Te Ching quotes.

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How did the great rivers and seas become the Lords of the ravines? It is because they are good at staying at lower positions.
So it is that the sage, wishing to be the chief of the people, puts his words below them and treats them humbly, and, wishing to guide them, places his benefit behind theirs. In this way though he has his place above them, the people do not feel heavy-laden; nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an encumbrance to them. Therefore the common people delight to exalt him and do not weary of him. Because he does not strive, no one finds it meaningful to strive with him.

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