We suggest you turn to the Tao Teh Ching:
79. FULFILLING ONE'S OBLIGATIONS When covenants and bonds are drawn between the people of the land, that they might know their obligations, it is commonplace for many to fail to meet their dues. The sage ensures his dues are met, 'though not expecting others to do the same; in this way he is virtuous. He is without virtue of his own, who asks of others that they fulfil his obligations on his behalf. The way of nature does not impose on matters such as these but stays with the good for ever, and acts as their reward. -- tr. S. Rosenthal