Verse 17: Systems of people management

太上，下知有之。
Of the greatest high, those below are aware of it.
其次親而譽之。
Of the lower high, those below draw near to and applaud it
其次畏之。
Of the more lower high, those below fear it.
其次侮之。
Of the lowest high, those below hate it.
信不足焉，有不信焉。(a)
When there is a lack of trust, there are the untrustworthy.
悠兮其貴言，(b)
Ease follows after sincere words
功成事遂，
Work completes, matters carry out smoothly
百姓皆謂我自然。
The citizens all say "I am in my natural self"

Comments
This passage often translates into forms of government, describing the different levels of rulership. I have updated this to include all forms of people management/authority, and it can now include anything from national management to even religion. (a) is highly elusive to me at this point, while (b) is often untranslated (Yutang translates this as "The rulers conveniently take oaths")