18th Chapter
When the greatness of the Tao is abandoned people don’t follow the laws and precepts; there is no understanding of charity and justice, and they will be only in appearance.
When there are people with true knowledge and wisdom, others will come to imitate them, and deception and hypocrisy will appear.
When the unity of families is lost, filial piety will be false.
When a country falls into chaos, officials will appear loyal for selfish reasons.

Implications from the Holy Books

The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His scourge and punishment, and the apprehension of His justice and decree. — Bahá’u’lláh, Words of Wisdom

The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure. — Bahá’u’lláh, Words of Wisdom

It behooveth, likewise, the loved ones of God to be forbearing towards their fellowmen, and to be so sanctified and detached from all things, and to evince such sincerity and fairness, that all the peoples of the earth may recognize them as the trustees of God amongst men. — Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 115

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