1. Do not exalt the worthy, so that the people 
  
   will not contend with one another.

   Do not put high value on hard-to-get goods,
  
   So that the people will not turn robbers and thieves.

   Do not display objects of desire,

   So that their minds will not be excited.

2. Therefore, when the Sage rule:

   He empties the minds of his people,

   Fills their bellies, weakens their ambitions, 
   
   and strengthens their bones.

   He always makes them innocent of cunning knowledge 
  
   and free from desires,

   And make the guileful ones afraid to interfere.

3. Do that which consists in taking no action,

   Then, there is nothing that will not be in order.