Displaying 4 translations: Dyer, Henricks, Lau, Wu
Chapter 72 Dyer

When people lack a sense of awe there will be disaster.
When people do not fear worldly power a greater power will arrive.
Do not limit the view of yourself.
Do not despise the conditions of your birth.
Do not resist the natural course of your life.
In this way you will never weary of this world.
Therefore the sage knows himself but makes no show of himself.
Loves himself but does not exalt himself.
He prefers what is within to what is without.

Chapter 72 Henricks

1. When the people don't respect those in power, then what they greatly fear is about to arrive.

2. Don't narrow the size of the places in which they live;
3. Don't oppress them in their means of livelihood.
4. It's simply because you do not oppress them, that they therefore will not be fed up.
5. Therefore the Sage knows himself but doesn't show himself;
6. he cherishes himself but doesn't value himself.
7. For this reason, he rejects that and takes this.

Chapter 72 Lau

When the people lack a proper sense of awe, then some awful visitation will descend upon them.

Do not constrict their living space;
Do not press down on their means of livelihood.
It is because you do not press down on them that they will not weary of the burden.

Hence the sage knows himself but does not display himself,
Loves himself but does not exalt himself.

Therefore he discards the one and takes the other.

Chapter 72 Wu

When the people no longer fear your power,
It is a sign that a greater power is coming.

Interfere not lightly vith their dwelling,
Nor lay heavy burdens upon their livelihood.
Only when you cease to weary them,
They will cease to be wearied of you.

Therefore, the Sage knows himself,
But makes no show of himself,
Loves himself,
But does not exalt himself.
He prefers what is within to what is without.