A reed is usually made from wood or cane and is typically used in woodwind instruments such as clarinets, saxophones and oboes.  It is placed in the mouthpiece and when the instrument is played air passes over and causes vibration  creating a lovely tone.  Several replacements are kept on hand so the instrument’s player can discard a damaged or worn reed.

A smoking candle or lamp wick indicates it is defective or too long and is not burning properly, therefore, needs snuffed out or cut off.

Matthew 12:20 assures us He will not leave us or discard us.