Judge Gently

-unknown-



Pray don't find fault with the man who limps
or stumbles along the road
unless you have worn the shoes he wears
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
though hidden away from view
or the burden he bears-placed on your back
might cause you to stumble too.


Don't sneer at the man who's down today
unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
that were his- if dealt to you
in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
might cause you to stagger too.


Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone
unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
that you have no sins of your own
For you know perhaps if the tempter's voice
should whisper as softly to you
as it did to him when he went astray
it might cause you to stumble too.