By Junias Erasmus
Life is a journey filled with challenges, victories, disappointments, and unexpected turns.
Along the way, every person will experience moments of success as well as moments of struggle.
This is why the saying, “Those who have not crossed the river yet should not laugh at those who are drowning,” carries a powerful lesson.
It reminds us to show compassion, remain humble, and avoid judging others because we never know when we may face similar difficulties.
In today’s society, it has become common for people to criticize others when they fail.
We often see people laughing at someone who loses a job, a business that collapses, a student who fails an examination, or a family going through financial hardship. Unfortunately, many people forget that life can change quickly.
The person who is successful today may face unexpected challenges tomorrow. Until you have safely crossed your own river, you should never assume that you cannot also struggle.
Every person’s journey is different. Some rivers are shallow, while others are deep and filled with strong currents. Some people reach success early in life, while others achieve it much later.
Comparing your journey with someone else’s is neither fair nor wise. Instead of mocking those who are struggling, we should encourage them because one day we may need the same encouragement ourselves.
This lesson is especially relevant in Namibia today. Many young graduates proudly receive their degrees after years of hard work and sacrifice.
Graduation is a remarkable achievement and deserves to be celebrated. However, obtaining a qualification does not always lead to immediate employment. Thousands of graduates continue searching for jobs while facing rejection after rejection.
It would be unfair to laugh at unemployed graduates or assume that they are not trying hard enough. The reality is that Namibia, like many countries, faces high levels of youth unemployment despite having many qualified young people.
Similarly, entrepreneurs often face challenges that are invisible to others. People celebrate successful businesses but rarely see the sleepless nights, financial risks, and repeated failures behind that success.
Some businesses succeed, while others close their doors. Those who have never experienced the pressure of running a business should be careful not to judge those whose businesses have failed. Failure is often part of the journey towards future success.
The same principle applies in the workplace. Sometimes a colleague makes a mistake, receives disciplinary action, or loses a promotion. Instead of celebrating their setback, we should offer support and encouragement.
Every professional faces difficult moments. Today’s successful manager may have once been an employee who struggled with uncertainty and disappointment.
One of the greatest qualities a person can develop is empathy. Empathy allows us to understand the pain and struggles of others without judging them.
It reminds us that behind every challenge is a human being trying to survive, provide for a family, or build a better future. Kind words and genuine support often make a greater difference than criticism.
Humility is another important lesson from this proverb. Success should never make us arrogant. Wealth, education, influence, and status are blessings that can change over time. No one is guaranteed a life without difficulties.
Economic conditions change, businesses fail, health declines, and circumstances shift. Remaining humble allows us to treat everyone with dignity regardless of their current situation.
Instead of laughing at those who are drowning, we should become the people who extend a helping hand.
A simple word of encouragement, advice, mentorship, or practical support may help someone overcome their challenges. Strong communities are built when people lift one another instead of pulling each other down.
The truth is that every one of us is crossing a different river. Some are crossing the river of unemployment.
Others are crossing the river of financial hardship, illness, family problems, academic pressure, or personal loss. While some have reached the other side safely, many are still navigating difficult waters.
The measure of our character is not how we treat people who are successful, but how we treat those who are struggling.
Therefore, let us replace judgment with compassion, pride with humility, and criticism with encouragement. Life has a way of reminding us that today’s observer can become tomorrow’s participant.
Before laughing at someone who is drowning, remember that you have not yet crossed your own river. Show kindness, offer support, and remain humble, because none of us knows what tomorrow will bring.
*Junias Erasmus is an Interdisciplinary Scholar, Philosopher, and Legal Researcher, with recognised expertise in Artificial Intelligence grounded in a Multidisciplinary foundation in Management Science. He is also a Motivational Speaker. This article is authored in his personal capacity. For enquiries, he may be contacted at Junias99@gmail.com.
