Verse 22: Paradoxical ways of the Sage

曲則全，
To yield is to be preserved whole
枉則直，
To bend is to become straight
窪則盈，
To be hollow is to be filled
敝則新
To be worn out is to be renewed
少則得，
To have little is to gain
多則惑。
To have plenty is to be confused
是以聖人抱一，
This is how the sage keeps to the Whole
為天下式。
and sets an example for the world.
不自見故明；
Does not see, yet lucidly aware
不自是故彰；
Does not insist, yet exerts presence
不自伐故有功；
Does not boast, yet receives recognition
不自矜故長；
Is not arrogant, and remains for long.
夫唯不爭，
By not competeing
故天下莫能與之爭。
No one on earth can compete with him
古之所謂：「曲則全者」
The ancients said "The one who yields is preserved"
豈虛言哉！
Is not an empty statement!
誠全而歸之
Keep to the Whole, and return to the Source.