Hesitation

We all know someone like this.

Do not seek from the Lord high office, or the seat of honor from the king. Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord, or display your wisdom before the king. Do not seek to become a judge, or you may be unable to root out injustice; you may be partial to the powerful, and so mar your integrity. Commit no offense against the public, and do not disgrace yourself among the people. Do not commit a sin twice; not even for one will you go unpunished. Do not say, 'He will consider the great number of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Most High God, he will accept it.' Do not grow weary when you pray; do not neglect to give alms. Do not ridicule a person who is embittered in spirit, for there is One who humbles and exalts. Do not devise a lie against your brother, or do the same to a friend. Refuse to utter any lie, for it is a habit that results in no good. Do not babble in the assembly of the elders, and do not repeat yourself when you pray. - Sirach 7:4-14

We listen to the wisdom of Sirach and we say, "I am not like that."

But don't I like the attention I get when I display my wisdom before others?

Am I not quick to criticize others who I feel are not as righteous as I?

And am I always willing to give?

The advice Sirach gives is structured to make us think.  First we agree.  Of course.  That makes sense, and I am not like that.

But then, the more we think about it, the more we may find examples of what we have done that do fit the pattern.

Or, we will catch ourselves when we find ourselves beginning to act the way he says.

That is what he wants for us, that moment of hesitation before we act.

Stop.  Remember.  Judge not others but oneself.

That is the message here.  

And, it really isn't hard to do.  Just take a breath and question your motive.

More to come...