Chapter 79
第七十九章
When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong).
和大怨,必有余怨;
And how can this be beneficial (to the other)?
报怨以德,安可以为善?
Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party.
是以圣人执左契,而不责于人。
(So), he who has the attributes (of the Tao) regards (only) the conditions of the engagement,
有德司契,
while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself.
无德司彻。
In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.
天道无亲,常与善人。