"A bruised reed he will not break."  In Bible times a person would go down to the edge of the stream or lake and cut and bundle the reeds that grew there.  After the reeds dried, the person would weave them into baskets, mats, etc.  Occasionally he or she would come upon a reed which had been bruised or crushed at some point along its length.  An impatient weaver would break the reed in two and throw it away, going for another reed.  But a patient weaver would measure the good parts of the reed and figure a way to work it into some part of the basket or mat.  Many of us are bruised reeds, damaged physically, morally, emotionally, spiritually.  Christ does not throw us away but uses us in his service.  Christ heals and reclaims broken lives. 

"A smoldering wick he will not snuff out." In those days people depended on oil lamps with wicks.  Sometimes a wick produced more smoke than light.  An impatient person would just give up, snuff out the flame and go to bed.  A patient person would work with the wick and adjust it until it gave more light.  Sometimes our lives are not producing the fruit they should.  Other people may give up on us, but the Lord takes his time and patiently works with us until our lives bloom in holiness and service to others - compare Luke 13:6-9.  Christ calls us to high standards, but his patience is great.  He is slow to give up on us, and we need to be the same toward others.