The Drunken Driver Has the Right of Way
Life isn't fair, but God is.
Ernest Hemingway once said of writing, "You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know." I find this idea deeply resonant, not only in writing but also in reading. A true sentence, one that cuts to the heart of reality, has the power to illuminate and provoke thought. Recently, I came across a poem by Ethan Coen, who is best known for his work in filmmaking, creating movies like No Country for Old Men.
The poem opens with a statement that I believe firmly fulfills Hemingway’s sentiment of a true sentence:
The loudest have the final say,
The wanton win, the rash hold sway,
The realist’s rules of order say
The drunken driver has the right of way.
It’s True
This poem speaks clearly because it articulates a stark truth. In life, it doesn’t always matter who is the most just or righteous. Often, those who bully, manipulate, and take advantage of others are the ones who get ahead. I remember a conversation with my grandfather when I was young. He was teaching me about driving and shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me: “It doesn’t matter what direction their turn signal is pointing—the only way they won’t turn is up.”
In the same way, the drunken driver may not have the legal right of way, but that doesn’t matter—he’s going to take it. This reality isn’t fair or right, but if you want to navigate the world safely and protect yourself and your loved ones, understanding this truth is a crucial piece of wisdom.
It’s Biblical Wisdom
Wisdom isn’t just about knowing the facts. When driving, there are laws—supposedly clear rules about how to act in certain situations. Yet, wisdom goes beyond knowing the rules; it’s about learning how to live considering what you know about the world. As Proverbs 16:21 reminds us, "The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction." If you’re driving and see another driver acting irrationally, the wise choice isn’t to insist on your rights but to protect yourself. This principle echoes the teaching of Proverbs 22:3: "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."
This principle extends far beyond driving. It’s a lesson in humility, discernment, and self-preservation in a world where not everyone plays by the rules. James 3:17 describes godly wisdom as "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." In a world where the loudest and most aggressive often seem to win, we are called to walk in wisdom, trusting that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).
A Deeper Truth That Makes This Truth Tolerable
While the poem’s message is bleak, there’s a deeper truth that makes it tolerable: the recognition that this world is not the final arbiter of justice. Throughout history, the loudest and most ruthless have often held sway, but their victories are temporary. Biblical wisdom reminds us that “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and that “the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). These truths offer hope and perspective, reminding us that the ultimate justice lies beyond this life.
In the meantime, we navigate the world with wisdom, not naivety. We protect ourselves and our loved ones, not out of fear, but out of a commitment to live well in a broken world. And we hold onto the hope that, in the end, truth and justice will prevail.
The poem’s stark truth may feel unsettling, but it’s a necessary reminder of the world we live in. By acknowledging this reality, we can navigate life with greater wisdom, humility, and hope. Let us strive to live rightly, not because the world rewards it, but because it’s the path to true peace and fulfillment. And let us hold onto the promise that, in the end, justice will prevail. Because, in the end, Jesus will prevail.