Legge   3 Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; Not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; Not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder. Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones. He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act (on it). When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.      Lau   3 Not to honor men of worth will keep the people from contention; 
Not to value goods which are hard to come by will keep them from theft; 
Not to display what is desirable will keep them from being unsettled of mind. Therefore in governing the people, the sage empties their minds but fills their bellies, weakens their wills but strengthens their bones. 
He always keeps them innocent of knowledge and free from desire, and ensures that the clever never dare to act. Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.    Feng/English   3 Not exalting the gifted prevents quarreling. 
Not collecting treasures prevents stealing. 
Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart. The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies, by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones. 
If men lack knowledge and desire, then clever people will not try to interfere. 
If nothing is done, then all will be well.   Bill Porter (Red Pine)   Bestowing no honors keeps people from fighting  prizing no treasures keeps people from stealing  displaying no attractions keeps people from making trouble thus the rule of the sage empties the mind but fills the stomach weakens the will  but strengthens the bones by keeping the people from knowing or wanting  and those who know from daring to act the sage governs them all     Jonathan Star   3 Putting a value on status will cause people to compete
Hoarding treasure will turn them into thieves
Showing off possessions will disturb their daily lives.
Thus the Sage rules by stilling minds and opening hearts by filling bellies and strengthening bones
He shows people how to be simple and live without desires
To be content and not look for other ways
With the people so pure
Who could trick them?
What clever ideas could lead them astray?
When action is pure and selfless everything settles into its own perfect place