25 January | Youth
«Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored.» Proverbs 18:12, NCV.
How can we discern the difference between humility and cowardice? Have you ever asked yourself this question? For example, someone offends you, and you decide not to retaliate. Is this reaction from a humble person or a coward? There is no easy answer, as the difference can be tenuous.
Cowardice and strength are different things. However, for many, the strong are those who use their power to humiliate others and gain an advantage. But actually, this is a coward. Those who only start fights when they are armed do not trust in their own strength, but in the weapon they have. Stepping over people, subduing them and stepping on them is easy. It is difficult to go over your ego and step on your own pride. The strong dominate their own impulses. Cowards, in turn, let themselves be carried away by what they feel. They wait for the right moment to give a payback, in a dishonest and treacherous way, when they see that the risk is lower.
The humble, in turn, when offended does not take revenge. He knows that paying evil for evil does not solve anything. In this, he is different from the coward who, when offended, does not have the courage to confront the other or to face himself. The humble can overcome self. However, the coward is defeated by both his own ego and his opponent. Humility is greatness; cowardice is shame. Humility is virtue; cowardice, a character flaw. The humble feel the pain of wounded pride; the coward succumbs to the bitterness of the desire for revenge. The humble can forgive; the coward, out of resentment, cannot think of anything other than attacking from behind.
Do not be fooled, humility precedes honor. Cowardice, in turn, anticipates defeat. Being offended and not fighting back, being attacked and not taking revenge, receiving provocation and still maintaining control, agreeing to reconcile with someone who did you wrong and putting resentment aside are not signs of cowardice, but proof of humility. These are true acts of greatness before God and human beings.
If someone calls you a coward for acting humbly, do not worry. Seek comfort in the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5).