28. Benevolence

Benevolence is effortless.
Effort lacks spontaneity.
That which is spontaneous is true.
That which is studied is unreal.

Benevolence cannot pretend to be real.
The pretender acts, and thus deceives.

Thus it transpires:
When benevolence is lost, justice ensues;
when justice is lost, expediency follows.
Expediency, being the mere shadow
of what is true, portends confusion.

Superficiality is phony
and the fool makes use of it.
The wise one stands on that which is solid
and will not lean upon a shadow.