Staggering Words!

We are in need of the staggering words, in need of their ingenuity, their renewal which heals of insanity. I will relay to you one of these words. The wise man said: “many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. All the brothers of the poor hate him…” (Proverbs 19: 6,7). What is staggering about these painful words? What is staggering is their ability to expose and strip us. What is it that causes many of us to show favoritism to the wealthy? Is it our weakness? Is it our conviction that we need an awning on earth? I find no wrath in the universe more violent than what these words reveal that those who hate the poor are his brothers; his brothers, that is, his kinsfolk or his relatives or friends… I do not want to comment. These are words that need no comment, but rather that we accept the new garment of wisdom which they offer us. These are for repentance.