Say what you think — and you are a prophet,
Light to your neighbor and clarity for yourself.
A step directed in the true direction,
The past, the future, and the present made clear.

They wait for praise even of the false,
The better the flatterer, the higher the pay.
They envy the toady — no wonder.
They confirm the offender and the adversary.

Truth is painful for the sinner,
Unpleasant to the ear and to the eye.
So at the hint of a mocker’s compassion
A stone flies at the prophet.