1. When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. (Then) appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy.

2. When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation; when the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared.

大道废，有仁义；

智慧出，有大伪；

六亲不和，有孝慈；

国家昏乱，有忠臣。

【译文】

因为大道废弃了，

才提倡（有了）“仁义”。

聪明智慧（逐权夺利、投机取巧的心机）出现了,才有了狡诈和虚伪。

家庭六亲之间不和睦了，才需要推崇孝慈。

国家昏乱了，才出现贞节、忠诚之臣。