One who uses the Tao to assist rulers

30a

One who uses the Tao to assist rulers
counsels to not use force of arms.
Such a course will create resistance.

Where armies have camped,
thorns and briars grow.

Do what needs to be done and nothing more.
Do not use force to seize for yourself.

The skilled one achieves and nothing more;
does not use force to seize for oneself.

Achieving without pride;
achieving without bragging;
achieving without boasting;
achieving what is necessary.
This is called achieving without force.