Circumstance changes perceptions

ignorance is always swift to speak.

Biblical text: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19 NIV).

One of the favourite stories of Arturo Toscanini, the great symphony conductor, was this:

An orchestra was playing Beethoven's Leonore overture, which has two great musical climaxes. Each of these musical high points is followed by a trumpet passage, which the composer intended to be played offstage.The first climax arrived, but no sound came from a trumpet offstage.

The conductor, annoyed, went on to the second musical high point. But again - no trumpet could be heard.

This time, the conductor rushed into the wings, fuming and with every intent of demanding a full explanation. There he found the trumpet player struggling with the house security man who was insisting as he held for dear life onto the man's trumpet, "I tell you, you can't play that trumpet back here! You'll disturb the rehearsal!"

Until you know why someone is acting the way they do, it's better not to criticize him. Until you know who has told him to act, it's better not to attempt to stop him!