When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)?
Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party. (So), he who has the attributes (of the Dao) regards (only) the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself.
In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.
Note
The 79th chapter of the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) explores the wisdom of resolving conflicts through harmony, compassion, and alignment with the natural order (Dao).
To reconcile a deep-seated grievance will inevitably leave lingering resentment. Can repaying hatred with virtue truly resolve it? Thus, the Sage holds the left tally (a debt record) but does not demand repayment. Those with virtue govern like the tally—gentle and fair; those without virtue govern like tax collectors—harsh and exacting. The Dao of Heaven shows no favoritism, yet it always aligns with those who act in harmony with it.
The Left vs Right tally
The left and right tally or record were credentials for loan/contract relationships in ancient China.
- The left tally: Recorded the debtor’s information and was held by the creditor.
- The right tally: Recorded the creditor’s information and was kept by the debtor.
Laozi proposed that ’the sage holds the Left tally but does not demand repayment’, signifying a governance philosophy of correcting without immediate punishment while retaining the authority to penalize. This reflects the Daoist principle of using discipline as a deterrent rather than retributive force.
Chapter 79 teaches that lasting peace arises not from forced reconciliation but from aligning with Dao. Laozi redefines “virtuous people”—not as morally perfect individuals, but as those who act in harmony with Dao, act by following the trend/momentum, embodying Dao’s effortless wisdom.
Further Reading
- Chapter 77: These two chapters are logically connected. Chapter 77 discusses the impartial principle of “the Way of Heaven”—reducing excess to supplement deficiency. Chapter 79 further elaborates on the fairness of “the Way of Heaven showing no favoritism,” pointing out that natural laws harbor no partiality and eternally assist the virtuous who possess goodness.
- Chapter 63: There exists a textual connection involving possible misplacement. Regarding the line “repay resentment with virtue,” many scholars believe it originally belonged to Chapter 63. However, based on the context, it should belong to this chapter. This textual analysis closely links these two chapters in terms of philological research.
- Chapters 5: Both chapters embody the impartial justice of the Way of Heaven. The statement “Heaven and earth are not benevolent” in Chapter 5 emphasizes that heaven and earth hold no bias. This attitude of fairness and impartiality serves as the foundational premise for “eternally assisting the good” in Chapter 79.
和大怨，必有餘怨；安可以為善？是以聖人執左契，而不責於人。有德司契，無德司徹。天道無親，常與善人。
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