If you have three meals a day; if you have enough clothes to change; if you have shelter over your head, you are more fortunate than many of our brethren. If you have a clean bed to sleep on; if you have a refrigerator at home; if you have a television set at home, you are still more fortunate than many of our brethren. In fact, what you take for granted may be something someone might be yearning for. So, be careful not to hurt the feelings of our deprivileged brethren by flaunting your good fortune.
So, if God has been kind to you and if you enjoy these privileges at part of divine providence, the least you can do to is not to display your fortunes in front of your less fortunate brethren. If you are moneyed and have a huge credit balance in your bank account, never talk about it in front of a poor person. It may cause unnecessary hurt to someone who is already reeling under poverty. If you are enjoying good health, never boast about it in front of a sick person. The sick person might find it depressing.
If you are a powerful person, keep it a secret from weak people. They may be victims of the powers that be. They might at best look at you as perpetrator of injustice once they come into this knowledge. The weak person may find it intimidating.
It is nice to be happy. It is a blessing to be happy. But be careful not to display too much of your happiness in front of a sad person. The sad person might feel miserable in front of you.
Freedom is the ultimate quest of all living beings. But if you were to speak of freedom in front of a prisoner, the prisoner might feel uncomfortable particularly if the prisoner is a victim of wrongful confinement.
If you are blessed with offspring, make it a point not to discuss your children in front of infertile people. It might worsen their regrets in life.
If your parents are still alive, that’s good for you. But don’t make the mistake of speaking about your father or mother frequently in front of an orphan. That may put them off.
Always try to remember: Do not scratch the wounds of people who are already wounded. They may not be able to bear their pain any further. Be considerate towards your unfortunate brethren. Be kind. Kindness pays in the long run.
