Creator’s Promise to Protect

"No trouble crosses the path of those with good hearts, but the path that evildoers walk is filled with danger" (Proverbs 12:21, First Nations Version).

Our Yakama people have a virtue called timnak’nik. This virtue describes showing compassion, kindness, and care to others in the way we listen, speak, and help them.

In many of our legends, coyote teaches us through his foolishness how to live and how not to live. Through these stories, we are taught that the path we walk determines the life we live. I’ve been on plenty of trails in the mountains that have led me to a stream of fresh water, but those same trails also had lots of thorns and jagged rocks that could, and often did, trip me up. This proverb speaks the same truth: those who walk in the way of timnak’nik—living in harmony and showing compassion—are protected, while those who turn away from this virtue often stumble into trouble.

When this proverb says, “No trouble crosses the path of those with good hearts,” it doesn’t mean we will never have trouble. Even those strong cedar trees in the mountains feel the weight of a heavy snow, and eagles often fly against fierce winds. Cedar trees stand strong, and eagles soar high because Creator made them strong for times of snow and wind. In the same way, those who walk with good hearts will face hard times, but their spirit will not be broken, and their life will not be blown over by evil.

The next piece of this proverb tells us that an evildoer’s trail is filled with danger. A person who chooses to walk in a spirit of selfishness, deceit, or cruelty will be followed by trouble because they have walked away from the trail of timnak’nik.

Timnak’nik teaches us that living in balance and harmony with all creatures around us brings Creator’s blessings—not just for us as individuals but for our whole community. When a person walks with a good heart, their family, their community, and the earth are touched by that goodness. In the same way, when someone lives badly, it spreads hurt and trouble beyond themselves.

This proverb calls us to choose the good path each day, walk in honesty, live in kindness, share compassion, and trust the teachings Creator has hidden under each leaf and rock. Then even when storms come, we will be safe, and no harm will crush us. Like a fire that keeps you warm on a cold night, timnak’nik will guard your heart and guide your steps.

Prayer

Tamánwiła, Keeper of our lives,
thank you for guiding our steps on a good path.
When storms beat against us, wrap us up in the cup of your hands.
Keep us from harm that destroys our spirits,
and help us to walk in compassion.
Help us live in a good way with all of creation so that our lives will bring you honor
and be a bright light to those around us.