TEMPTATION AND ANGER

Enemies of Man

ADAM was the first man in human history. The scriptures tell us that after the creation of Adam and his wife Eve, they were settled in the garden of Paradise. The whole garden was theirs to live as they pleased. The only restriction was that they were instructed not to approach “the forbidden tree” otherwise they would lose Paradise. Adam and Eve were always inquisitive about that forbidden tree.

Finally, they succumbed to temptation. They crossed the limit set on them and approached the forbidden tree and tasted its fruit. Suddenly their sojourn in Paradise came to an end and they were ordered to leave the garden of Paradise.

This was the first sign that human beings were vulnerable to temptation. It was a warning to all mankind that they must be on their guard against temptation otherwise they will lose the blessing of the Creator.

If they live a life within proper limits, the garden of Paradise is for them, otherwise not. The garden of Paradise is for them but not as a right. It has to be merited. If according to one's deeds, one is deserving candidate for Paradise, they will be selected for Paradise. The first entry of Adam and Eve into Paradise was unconditional, but on the Day of Judgement, Paradise will be given to people on selective basis. And selection will be made on the basis of merit, and not simply as a matter of birth right.


The two great enemies of man in this world are temptation and anger. Temptation comes from within, while anger is the result of external experiences. The principle for success in regard to both is control.

Scriptures tell us another relevant story. Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve. There was some disagreement between the two and Cain became so angry that he could not forgive his brother. In this rage, he killed his younger brother. This was the first murder in human history. It is a reminder for mankind that everyone must control their anger. If they fail in the test of anger control, they will go astray and commit blunders and consequently, will lose Paradise forever.

As recorded in the scriptures, this is an eye opener in human history. It gives a great lesson to all human beings. They must be much cautious regarding these great weaknesses: temptation and anger. If they are cautious and avoid succumbing to these two weaknesses, they will have eternal success, otherwise they will never gain entry into Paradise. The two great enemies of man in this world are temptation and anger.

Temptation comes from within, while the anger is the result of external experiences. The principle for success in regard to both is control— that is, everyone must learn the art of self-management. They must resist temptation and suppress anger. Those who develop their minds sufficiently to save themselves from these two evils will achieve eternal success.

Sincerity
Sincerity is not a single value.
Sincerity combines all the good
human values, where there is
sincerity, there are all kinds of moral
beauties. In contrast, insincerity
is bound to wash away all kinds
of moral beauties from one's
personality.

Forgiveness
Forgiveness puts an end to the
problem once and for all, while a
tit-for-tat policy only aggravates and
prolongs the problem. The supposition
that forgiveness encourages further
wrongdoing is flimsy and runs counter
to the law of nature.