October 27, 2021

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8)

One more The Wind in the Willows reference. Mr. Toad’s chief downfall is that he is supremely wise in his own eyes. And inevitably and invariably, his self-aggrandizement leads to calamity. His faithful friends are the ones who help turn him from evil and bring healing and refreshment.

Mr. Toad lives in each of us as we all are the inheritors of Adam’s folly. Wisdom in our own eyes and fear of the Lord have an inverse relationship, don’t they? Thankfully we have a Friend, too. And what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.

“Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 18 – BCP)