It seems figurative as a reference for those who know little. Of course for those who go around pointing fingers, a mirror visit would be condign too.
You got that right. I just remember being a kid and going to a Vietnam war protest and got a real scolding from a vet. If that man( double amputee) ddidn’t set me straight I would have probably mouthed off until someone slugged me or worse. As a kid we think we’re pretty hot stuff but we still have a lot to learn. I just wish this young kid could be silent a little and understand his words can cut bad but that only comes with knowledge, failures and a little wisdom