Proverbs 3:27-34 / Luke 816-18
In Singapore we see many "Do Not!" signs. So there are signs that tell us "do not litter", "do not eat or drink", "do not smoke", "do not use hand-phones", etc.
If we abide to these prohibitions, then we will get along fine; if not we will be "fined"!
So when we break these rules and get caught for doing it, then the pain will be directed at our wallets.
In the 1st reading, we also hear of a series of "do not"s. But when we do not do as what the passage of the 1st reading tells us to, then the pain is not inflicted on us. Not initially at least.
Rather, the pain will be inflicted on our neighbour and it is us who are the cause of the pain.
But we will feel the pain eventually. Because the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to the Lord, He mocks those who mocks.
In the gospel, Jesus told His disciples that no one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed.
By the same principle, no one should do evil, or refuse a kindness, or plot harm against a neighbour, or pick a groundless quarrel.
Yes, no one should be causing harm to another or be a pain for another.
So let us not succumb to evil or even lean towards it. Let us strive for goodness, and the Lord in His goodness will also bless us with His goodness.