It is better to have a sore than a seared conscience

It is better to have a sore than a seared conscience

Thomas Brooks, a 17th-century Puritan preacher and author, once famously said, "It is better to have a sore than a seared conscience." This powerful statement speaks to the importance of maintaining a clear and guilt-free conscience in order to live a fulfilling and virtuous life.

A seared conscience is one that has become desensitized to moral and ethical considerations. It is a conscience that has been hardened by repeated acts of wrongdoing and sin, to the point where it no longer feels remorse or guilt for its actions. A seared conscience is dangerous because it can lead a person down a path of moral decay and spiritual emptiness. Without a conscience that is sensitive to right and wrong, a person is more likely to engage in harmful behaviors and make poor decisions that can have lasting consequences.

On the other hand, having a sore conscience means that one is acutely aware of their own moral failings and shortcomings. A sore conscience is one that is tender and responsive to feelings of guilt and remorse. While having a sore conscience may be uncomfortable and painful, it is ultimately a sign of a healthy and functioning moral compass. It is a reminder that we are all fallible human beings who are capable of making mistakes, and that we must strive to learn from our errors and do better in the future.