23.

When you have nothing to say,
you may as well keep your mouth shut.
The wind and the rain don't go on forever.
If nature knows enough to give it a rest sometimes,
so should you.

If you're ready for Dao,
you can live with Dao.
If you're ready to succeed,
you can live with success.

If you're ready to fail, you can live with failure.
Trust your instincts, and others will trust you.

24.

Keep your feet firmly planted
unless you want to fall on your face.
Learn how to pace yourself
if you want to get anywhere.
Don't call attention to yourself
if you want people to notice your work.

Nobody respects people
who always have excuses.
Nobody gives credit to people
who always take it.
People who hype themselves
have nothing else to offer.

Think of being in touch with Dao
like eating at a buffet:
Take only what you need.
Save some for everybody else.