“Knowledge Puffs Up” [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #29-30]
Lord, in this set of chapters two,
Examples given affirm the view
That though one’s love can build folks up,
The arrogance of “Knowing” sucks.In one, the leader slept, got drunk,
So beaten was – saw self as skunk
Too late – for his opponent knew
Through local guides just what to do.The other story, I had heard,
How trap was set by written word
Upon a tree – at dusk was seen –
Flick of a Bic found foe between –Two ranks of archers ten-K strong;
On signal, foe saw he’d been wrong,
And killed himself – a mess indeed,
Brought on by faulty info-lead.So knowledge, “I’ve advantage now”,
Sometimes one step too soon allows
The enemy to clobber you,
So don’t let “Knowing” skew your view.As I turn this around, I see
That love You show through likes of me
Builds up, does not employ the facts
One learns to wreck up Your attack.Attack of love and care, that is –
With timing, placement, healing biz
Still left with You, Lord, healthily –
Instead of thinking we can see.Compassion-persons, feeling driven
Step out too soon, and then are driven
Into the ground – encouragers
Rush in too fast, when vision blurs –Because they arrogantly feel
They have advantage, so can steal
A victory through what’s emerged;
Without some planning, they’re submerged –In surf away beyond their depth,
Stepped into, in haste’s carelessness;
Lord, I feel that one – “Seize the day”
Obscures my view, distorts Your way.So, Lord as I reflect on this,
And role I’ve had with heaven’s kiss,
I’m thinking, “Knowledge is my friend,
But still, on You I must depend.”Thanks Lord for this.
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