Those who stand on tiptoe
cannot stand firm.
Those who stretch too far
cannot walk with ease.

Those who show off
do not shine.
Those who speak only their own mind
are not respected.
Those who boast
gain no recognition.
Those who are self-important
have no true worth.

From the view of the Tao,
these are like leftover scraps —
or growths on the body.
Everyone finds them unpleasant.

That is why
those who follow the Way
avoid such things.