PROVERBS

                                               By Ranjan Mathews

        "To have Knowledge, you must First have Reverence for God", thus opens the introduction to The Book of Proverbs, Holy Bible. Proverbs both Biblical and Local [wherever one stays], gives one much Wisdom and Sustenance in Life. Many a time one remembers the Proverb Before something happens, and at times After the event takes place. The corollary to the first line is .."stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn". God hates certain things -- a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that kill people, a mind that hatches wicked plans, feet that hurry to commit evil, a witness who tells one lie after another, a man who stirs trouble amongst friends etc. Does that fit the description of a "terrorist-fanatic'? Perhaps. That could be the reason why ordinary sane people try to be the opposite -- in other words, be humble, speak the truth, never kill people, never conspire evil plans, impulsively do not rush to commit evil, never give false evidence and do not foment trouble amongst friends. "Wealth that you get by dishonesty will do you no good", and yet we see Big Nations doing just this, leave alone Businessmen.

    "Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble, but one who openly criticises works for peace." Forget Communists, even the best democracies have no room for open criticism ! Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than to have a banquet in a house full of trouble. This should remind all that Today, modern people the world over are having a banquet, becoming more"healthy" and "fun-loving"in an unhealthy planet, Earth which is killing itself due to ozone depletion, global warming, genetically modified seeds/ food, the works. Time we got back to Proverbs of the Bible and proverbs handed down over the ages by wise people.