A bruised reed and smoking flax represented those who were suffering and lost, but were later delivered, healed, and saved by the Lord Jesus.

The religious leaders lacked compassion for the people; they placed heavy burdens on them, then accused and condemned them, while our Savior offered them His love and kindness.

The reed was already bruised, so why break it? The wick (flax) was already burning out, so why quench it? In other words, people were already humiliated, ashamed, and distressed and therefore, did not need heavy burden to take away the little faith and hope they had left. Those who have the Spirit of the Lord understand this.