Sometimes a way seems right to a man, but the end of it leads to death.

The enigmas of the lived life...
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But will I ever learn?  I received some provocative emails and phone calls in the past few days.  These days so much information assails us - all at once - that discernment can become clouded and confused if we are not careful.  Much of the information I would rather not know, especially since most of it only confirms what I already knew.  Lately I've encountered very deceptive people who harbor a great deal of rancor and anger in their hearts, a few are even vindictive and downright hateful.  A sure sign of the absence of the Holy Spirit.  I frequently find refuge and counsel in the prayers of the rosary, in the scriptures, and in my art... "Realistically painted subjects function as signs whose meaning reveals itself to those responsive to the enigmas of the lived life."

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The precautions from proverbs. 
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He who corrects an arrogant man earns insult; and he who reproves a wicked man incurs opprobrium.

Reprove not an arrogant man, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Instruct a wise man, and he becomes still wiser; teach a just man, and he advances in learning.

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
If you are wise, it is to your own advantage; and if you are arrogant, you alone shall bear it.

The woman Folly is fickle, she is inane, and knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house upon a seat on the city heights,
Calling to passers-by as they go on their straight way:
"Let whoever is simple turn in here, or who lacks understanding; for to him I say,
Stolen water is sweet, and bread gotten secretly is pleasing!"
Little he knows that the shades are there, that in the depths of the nether world are her guests! - Proverbs 9
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False scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a full weight is his delight.

When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.
The honesty of the upright guides them; the faithless are ruined by their duplicity. - Proverbs 11
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Evil is cleansed away by bloody lashes, and a scourging to the inmost being. - Proverbs 20

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I am more and more convinced that, as Edith Stein once said, "Words cannot save us now, only the Passion of Christ..."  Hence my tendency to believe that suffering opposition in patience and charity is better than ranting and railing against the wickedness that besets and surrounds us.  Even when I fall at every step - perhaps especially then.
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Art:  Allegory of Painting, Vincent Desiderio