为之于未有，治之于未乱。
Deal with things in their state of not-yet-being, put them in order before they have got into confusion.
合抱之木，生于毫末；九层之台，起于垒土；千里之行，始于足下。
For the tree big as a man's embrace began as a tiny sprout, the tower nine storeys high began with a heap of earth, the journey of a thousand leagues began with what was under the feet.
是以圣人无为故无败，无执故无失。
Therefore the Sage does not act, and so does not harm; does not grab, and so does not let slip.
民之从事，常于几成而败之。
Whereas the people of the world, at their tasks, constantly spoil things when within an ace of completing them.
慎终如始，则无败事。
Heed the end no less than the beginning, And your work will not be spoiled.
是以圣人欲不欲，不贵难得之货；学不学，复众人之所过。
Therefore the Sage wants only things that are unwanted, sets no store by products difficult to get, and so teaches things untaught, turning all men back to the things they have left behind,
以辅万物之自然，而不敢为。
that the ten thousand creatures may be restored to their Self-so. #2This he does; but dare not act.