Daily Frameworks for 20 August 2023

Jamál, 01 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Beware, O people of Bahá, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

In whose ways should we not walk? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the quote you mentioned, Bahá’u’lláh is warning us against following the ways of people who say one thing but do another. These are people who are hypocrites, who are not genuine or sincere. They may say that they are good people, but their actions show otherwise.

There are many reasons why we should not walk in the ways of hypocrites. First, it is a waste of time and energy. If someone’s words and deeds do not match, then we cannot trust them. We cannot rely on them to be honest or reliable.

Second, following the ways of hypocrites can lead us astray. If we follow their example, we may end up doing things that are wrong or harmful. We may also end up being hurt or disappointed by them.

Third, walking in the ways of hypocrites can damage our own character. If we associate with people who are dishonest or insincere, we may start to become like them. We may start to lie or cheat, or we may start to lose our own sense of integrity.

So, in whose ways should we not walk? We should not walk in the ways of hypocrites. We should follow the example of people who are honest, sincere, and trustworthy. We should walk in the ways of those who are good and virtuous.

Here are some specific examples of people whose ways we should not walk in:

• People who are always talking about doing good things, but never actually do them.
• People who say they are religious, but their actions are not in line with their beliefs.
• People who are always putting others down, but never lift them up.
• People who are always complaining and never grateful.
• People who are always making excuses, but never take responsibility for their actions.
  

If we want to live a good and meaningful life, we need to be careful about whose ways we follow. We should choose to walk in the ways of those who are good and virtuous, and avoid the ways of those who are not.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#482116648.
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2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩