Verse 20 The bruised reed and smoking flax are emblems of helplessness, dejection, and sorrow. The images are expressive of the mildness and gentleness with which Jesus instils truth into the minds of his followers, and of the tender care which he exercises in sustaining the weak, restoring the fallen, and raising the dejected and desponding.--Till he send forth judgment unto victory; till the truth which he proclaims is victorious.