Introduction

This verse has some interesting nuances in its language and delightfully veiled alchemical language. The shift in tone grabbed my attention. 

It’s almost like I can hear the words saying, “Pst! You. Ya, you! Are you paying attention?! Quit doing the stupid stuff you know doesn’t help you! Maybe, just maybe, you could invest some energy in what I’m teaching you since you asked my advice. But suit yourself!” ::shrugs:: 

Translation

Make me rely on having knowledge
  to walk on the Great Way
    and all I fear is going awry.

The Great Way is smooth and broad!
Yet, people prefer the narrow trail.

The royal palace rots.
  The fields are overgrown.
    The granaries stand empty.

And yet…

The clothes are fine.
  The accessories are on point.
      Glutted with food and drink.
Wealthy beyond all need.

This is just showboating!
Not Weaving the Way. 

Commentary

Make me rely on having knowledge
  to walk on the Great Way
    And all I fear is going awry.

The first line uses a very nuanced character for “rely on.” 介 (jiè) indicates the middle way or the narrow gap between two things. It can be translated in many different ways, from “to lie between” or “to hang, suspend” to “a tiny bit.” The commentarial literature tends to favor notions of “small” or “tiny” because the concept of knowledge is often related to our capacity to analyze and work with fine details. 

However, the context of this verse isn’t about contrasting relative knowledge against openness, as was done in the previous verse’s statement that “Seeing intricacies is clarity. Protecting softness is strength.”

Instead, the call is to recognize that using our small, relative mind to determine the path we should walk puts us in a position of rigidity, fear, and uncertainty. It’s like how when we put ourselves under pressure to perform well, the pressure we create for ourselves reduces our ability to perform. If you’ve ever had to give a public performance, compete in a sport, or face a difficult conversation, you will likely be familiar with this phenomenon.