Verse 27: Experts and Beginners

善行無轍跡。
The expert in travelling leaves no tracks.
善言無瑕謫。
The expert in speaking shows no flaws.
善數不用籌策。
The expert in calculation uses no tally system.
善閉無關楗而不可開。
The expert in security uses no locks, but the doors cannot be opened.
善結無繩約而不可解。
The expert in binding uses no string, but the knots cannot be untied.
是以聖人常善救人，故無棄人。
Just like the sage, the expert in saving people who does not give up on them,
常善救物，故無棄物。
The expert in saving things who does not give up on them.
是謂襲明。
This is called strategic insight.
故善人者不善人之師。
Hence, the experts are the beginners' teachers
不善人者善人之資。
The beginners are the experts' resources.
不貴其師、
Not valuing the teachers,
不愛其資，
Not treasuring the resources,
雖智大迷，
Is a big mistake even for the cleverest of people.
是謂要妙。
This is called the vital wonder.

Comments
LZ shows how experts in their field all reach a paradoxical, automatic state of mind in going about their tasks. Yet he reminds that expert and beginners define each other and must learn mutual respect for one to practice true wisdom.