Beware the Leaven #2082 (Poem)

Beware the Leaven In crowds that thronged, He spoke to all, A warning clear, a clarion call, "Take heed, beware," His voice resounded, Of leaven’s snare, where truth is bounded. The leaven spreads, unseen, concealed, In hearts and minds, its lies revealed, Hypocrisy, its guise so fair, Yet souls ensnared, its burden bear. The Pharisees, with robes of white, In darkness dwell, avoid the light, Their pious acts, a hollow show, Their hearts untouched by love’s pure glow. Beware the leaven, subtle, sly, It twists the truth, it clouds the eye, It whispers falsehood, breeds deceit, In sacred halls, in crowded streets. A little leaven, leavens all, From lofty towers to humble hall, It seeps and spreads, corrupts the pure, Its poison taints, it finds no cure. Oh, guard your hearts, let truth take root, Reject the lies, the empty suit, For hypocrites will lead astray, In shadows dark, they lose the way. Seek honesty in all you do, In words and deeds, let love shine through, For God desires a heart that’s true, In every thought, in every view. So heed His words, let them abide, Let wisdom’s light be your true guide, Beware the leaven, cast it out, And walk in faith, dispelling doubt. For in His truth, we find our way, In humble hearts, His grace will stay, And leaven’s hold, it shall release, In Christ alone, we find our peace. -Steven G. Lee (June 30, 2024)