From Johnson's essay, we learn that he's a Buddhist, and, even more compelling, one who converted from African Methodist Episcopalianism. Buddhists are respectable in both the religious and secular worlds. We suspect practicing Episcopalians of zealotry, whereas we esteem practicing Buddhists for their enlightenment. Thy will be done. Yet Charles Johnson hasn't forsaken Proverbs.
Proverbs does feed the spirit, and sumptuously.
Of course we already know the lessons. We know that good is good and bad is bad. But, like any clich , it's so commonplace that the truth of it loses friction. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.