Neither Strike Nor Strike Back
Do not strike one who cultivates peace; nor should he strike back in anger. Shame on the one who strikes, and shame on the one who retaliates.
When someone provokes me, is striking back truly the way to protect myself?
📝Reflection
The striking thing about this verse is its balance. It does not blame only the one who strikes; the one who strikes back in anger is called equally shameful. We often justify retaliation, thinking "the one who started it is wrong." But this verse sees both as bound by the chain of violence. When someone provokes us, paying it back seems momentarily justified — but in that instant we, too, step into the mud. The truly strong person is one who, though struck, does not descend to the same ground. To restrain anger is not cowardice but the courage to break the chain.
🌱Apply It Today
If someone is rude today, instead of firing back at once, slow by one beat. That one beat keeps your foot out of the mud.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
