上 善 若 水 。

The utmost goodness is like water.

水 善 利 萬(wàn) 物 而 不 爭(zhēng) ，

Water benefits all things and does not compete with them.

處 眾 人 之 所 惡 ， 故 幾 于 道 。

It dwells in the low places where all men dislike. Hence, it comes near to the Dao.

居 善 地 ，心 善 淵 ，

In his dwelling, he prefers excellence of a residence.

In his mind and heart, he prefers profound stillness.

與 善 仁 ，言 善 信 ，

In his companionship, he prefers good virtues.

In his speech and words, he prefers trustworthiness and sincerity.

政 善 治 ， 事 善 能 ，動(dòng) 善 時(shí) 。

In management, he prefers peace and good order.

In business affairs, he prefers excellent abilities.

In his actions, he prefers moving at the right time.

夫 唯 不 爭(zhēng) ， 故 無(wú) 尤 。

It it because he does not contend that he is free from blame or reproach.