August 9, 2013 (Friday)
The “Three Wise Monkeys” have their origins in the Japanese culture, with roots in China. Roots extend into Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto. They have become recognizable throughout the world today. You know what they represent, even when the words are not used: “See no evil, Speak no evil, Hear no evil.”
Wise advice. Too bad we don’t follow it more often.
The tenets of the Rotary Club include The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Among many such references in the Book of Proverbs, we find this:
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 11:12-13
The Apostle Paul gave us this word from the Lord:
” “…Whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor….” (Romans 13:8-10).
The brevity of the blog format prevents our quoting thousands of such sayings, mottoes and Bible verses. Suffice it to say, the monkeys are giving us good advice.