No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering flaxen wick will he extinguish, until he sends out justice with success.

Also, Jesus carries his comforting message to persons who are figuratively like a bruised reed, bent over and knocked underfoot. They are like a smoldering flaxen wick, whose last spark of life has nearly been smothered. Jesus does not crush the bruised reed or quench the flickering, smoking flax. But with tenderness and love he skillfully lifts up the meek.