Reverend Marco Ste-Marie

Proverbs 18: 3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
    and with shame comes reproach.

Definition of wickedness: It encompasses actions, intentions, or attitudes that are deliberately harmful, cruel, malicious, or morally corrupt.

Wickedness often involves a conscious disregard for ethical principles or a willingness to cause suffering or harm to others.

Wickedness takes many forms, from discrimination and prejudice to systemic oppression and exploitation. When these injustices rear their ugly heads, they bring a destructive force that affects both the oppressed and the oppressor.

The wicked brings contempt with them; the proud, superior attitude that thinks itself better than others and looks at those thought to be lesser with scorn.

Contempt arises when one group looks down upon another, fostering an environment of disdain and division.

As we reflect on this verse, it is essential to acknowledge that contempt is not the product of chance but rather a symptom of deeply rooted issues within society.

It thrives on the narratives of superiority and inferiority, which perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create a toxic atmosphere that corrodes the fabric of our connexion.

Moreover, when wickedness prevails, dishonour follows closely. The oppressed are robbed of their dignity and respect, and their worth as human beings is undermined.

Wickedness takes many forms, from discrimination and prejudice to systemic oppression and exploitation.

When these injustices rear their ugly heads, they bring a destructive force that affects both the oppressed and the oppressor.

Contempt arises when one group looks down upon another, fostering an environment of disdain and division.

The call to action is clear – to break the chains of contempt and dismantle the structures that foster dishonour. This is not a passive undertaking but requires active engagement and solidarity.

We must join hands with those who are marginalized, amplifying their voices and working together to dismantle the walls that divide us.

In doing so, we embrace the core values of our faith – the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, the promotion of justice, and the affirmation of the interconnectedness of all life.

Verse 4: ” The words of the mouth are deep waters,     but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

In this verse, we are presented with contrasting imagery. The “words of a man’s mouth” are compared to deep waters, signifying the potential depth and complexity of communication.

A person’s words can hold great significance and carry the power to either bring life or cause harm.

On the other hand, “the fountain of wisdom” is likened to a bubbling brook, emphasizing the refreshing and life-giving nature of wise words.

This verse encourages us to use our speech wisely, speaking with kindness, truth, and understanding.

Our speech has the power to uplift, inspire, and encourage, just as it can also wound, divide, and perpetuate injustice.

As progressive believers, we are called to be mindful of the impact of our words. Our faith teaches us to use our speech as a force for good, spreading love, compassion, and justice.

Let us be conscious of the language we use, ensuring that it reflects the values of inclusivity, equality, and respect for all.

In a liberating understanding of our faith, words hold immense power to build up or tear down. The deep waters of our speech can heal wounds, promote understanding, and foster unity. Embracing our diversity, let us create a community where dialogue is cherished, where the wisdom of multiple voices flows like a bubbling brook, enriching our collective experience.

Wisdom is not a stagnant pool; it flows and evolves like a bubbling brook. In our faith understanding, wisdom is not confined to ancient texts alone but is a dynamic and living force.

Let us recognize that wisdom does not belong to a privileged few but is accessible to all. The bubbling brook of wisdom reminds us to seek knowledge from a variety of sources, to learn from different cultures, and to honour the wisdom of marginalized voices.

Moreover, just as a fountain can quench the thirst of many, the fountain of wisdom calls us to share knowledge and uplift others.

Our active faith encourages us to be teachers and learners, supporting each other on our journey of growth and enlightenment.