Introduction

This verse uses a mechanical observation about archery to make a structural description of the dynamic tension in Weaving the Way.  That excess tension is reduced, and a lack of tension is supplemented.

Human systems tend to do the opposite: taking from what is already lacking and serving what is already full.

Reflecting on these principles leads to an investigation into the interplay of how forces harmonize in multiple spheres. The verse traces this through attention, sufficiency, and the refusal to participate in performative virtue.

Translation

The Way of Creation is like
  Drawing a Bow.

Raise it by pressing it,
  Lower it by pulling it,
Having overdrawn,
  reduce it.
If underdrawn,
  add to it. 

Therefore, The Way of Creation is:
  Reduce excesses
    And
  Supplement lack.

The Way of a Person,
  Take from what is insufficient,
    and
  Serve what is already excessive.

Who has excess,
  yet has the means to
    take it and present it to Heaven? 
Only one who already has the Dao.

This is how The Wise
  Act and yet do not possess,
    Succeed and yet do not dwell in it.

Like this,
  they do not wish
    to be exposed to virtue.

Commentary

The Way of Creation is like
  Drawing a Bow. 

The Way of Creation refers to the dynamic and harmonious unfolding of complementary, but opposing, forces of the Dao. 

Raise it by pressing it,
  Lower it by pulling it,
Having overdrawn,
  reduce it.
If underdrawn,
  add to it.  

These are basic archery instructions that may read somewhat oddly if you haven’t ever spent time with a full-strength bow. If you haven't, here are some brief comments on the dynamics the verse is highlighting.

Drawing a full-strength bow isn’t simply a matter of pulling the string back while the bow arm is statically extended. Proper technique involves pressing the bow away with the grip arm while drawing the string back to the anchor point, creating balanced dynamic tension.

Similarly, when releasing the bow in a controlled manner, i.e., “letting down the draw,” the feeling is more of “pulling” back on the string while slowly relaxing the grip arm. This safely releases tension without firing the arrow or damaging the bow.

Bows have an intended draw length determined by their length and the stiffness of their limbs. An overdraw or underdraw refers to drawing the bow beyond or short of its intended draw length. Regularly over-drawing a bow can weaken it, eventually causing it to break. Under-drawing a bow fails to bring it to its full power, which impacts accuracy and efficacy. To realize the importance of overdrawing and underdrawing, we must also understand the archer’s paradox.  

The archer’s paradox refers to the deformation of the arrow as it flexes around the bow stave upon release, yet still flies true. This is especially evident in traditional archery, where the shaft of the arrow must flex around the bow stave. The stiffness, or spine, of the arrow shaft must be calibrated to the power of the bow for there to be accuracy in the shot. If the spine is too soft or too stiff, the arrow will have an erratic flight, resulting in a loss of accuracy and angled strikes on the target. In cases of severe mismatch between the power of the bow and the spine of the arrow, the shaft can even shatter on release. Because arrow spines are calibrated to the bow at a specific draw length, over- and under-drawing the bowstring doesn’t just influence the bow; it also influences the flight of the arrow. 

In summary, dynamic tension must be handled appropriately to achieve the intended results.