22-year-old Rajat Kumar, a first-year MBA student at Bahra University in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan, who lived in the university hostel, was asked by two of his fellow students to accompany them to another room. When Kumar refused, they dragged him to the room, where a few other students were present. The students asked Kumar to consume alcohol and beat him up – raining kicks and punches and whipping him with a belt – when he refused. The assault on the student was caught on camera and five of his college mates, most of whom are younger than him, have been arrested. (NDTV 11 September 2024) Prophet Isaiah writes: “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of his right!” (Isaiah 5:22-23)
Heroes: Many people drink and consider themselves heroes. The Bible warns the heavy drinkers and gluttons, as they will be overtaken by poverty. (Proverbs 23:20,21) Those who do not know the meaning and purpose in life become foolish heroes who drink and want others to be like them.
Valiant: These students considered themselves valiant. They thought they had the power and authority to make others do their wishes and desires. These five combined their strength to beat up a lonely man who had no means to defend himself. Valiant are those who are willing to sacrifice for others and not take advantage of others.
Corrupt: These five men were morally corrupt and wanted others to be corrupted. Probably, they observed this man as honest, pious, and upright. They were so envious of him that they could not be like him. Driven by envy they wanted to pull him down to their level of corruption.
Deprive rights of others: Evil drunkards deprive the innocent of their rights. The student Rajat was not allowed to enjoy his right to eat and drink what he wanted. Others forced him, which he refused. For that, he had to endure beatings, humiliation, and mental torture.
Do I resolve like Daniel to keep myself pure?