79. Resolving Great Resentment
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
和大怨，必有余怨；安可以为善？
English translation
When a great grievance is reconciled, some resentment is sure to remain. How can this be considered a satisfactory outcome?
Even after a serious conflict is settled, wounds may remain. The deeper task is to prevent resentment from growing so severe.
Original Chinese text
是以圣人执左契，而不责于人。
English translation
Therefore the sage holds the left half of the contract but does not press the other party for payment.
The left tally represents a creditor's claim. Even when entitled to demand repayment, the sage does not use that advantage to coerce others.
Original Chinese text
有德司契，无德司彻。
English translation
A person of virtue attends to the contract; one without virtue attends only to collecting what is due.
The contrast is between honoring an agreement with restraint and treating it merely as grounds for exacting every last payment.
Original Chinese text
天道无亲，常与善人。
English translation
The way of heaven shows no partiality, yet it is always with those who act well.
This does not mean nature plays favorites. Conduct free from contention and harsh demands fits the larger pattern of things and so finds lasting support.