The highest goodness
is like water.

Water nourishes all things
without trying.
It flows to the lowest places,
which others avoid —
and so it is like the Tao.

In living, choose a place well.
In thinking, stay still.
In relationships, be kind.
In speech, be true.
In leadership, be fair.
In work, be competent.
In action, be timely.

When you do not compete,
no one can fault you.