Silent Amid Praise and Blame
Trembling not at blame, not lifted up by praise, subduing greed, stinginess, anger, and slander — such a one is at peace.
Am I a person hung on others' lips — lifted by one word of praise, broken by one of blame?
📝Reflection
Not being lifted by praise and not trembling at blame are, in truth, one ability. Both become possible only when freed from the belief that "others' judgment sets my worth." One easily elated by praise is as easily broken by blame — they are two ends of one rope, and the hand holding it always belongs to someone else. The peace this verse names is not indifference. It is the firmness to hear both praise and blame fully, yet let neither shake one's center. For that, the standard of my worth must lie within, not without. Others' words pass like weather; only my center remains in place. Only one who holds that center stays afloat on the waves of praise and blame.
🌱Apply It Today
On praise today, say inwardly "thanks, but this isn't all of me"; on blame, "it stings, but this isn't all of me either." Find the balance.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
