Hello, and best wishes. Let's take a look at Proverbs 17. For commentary on verses 1-3 and 4-7, search "Sept 17" and "Oct 17". Let's consider verses 8-10.

"8 A gift is like a precious stone to its owner; Everywhere he turns, it brings him success. 9 Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends. 10 A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times."

Prov 17:8 This is Jehovah's word--perhaps a colorful cut gemstone can have a positive influence?! But how fine a useful gift from someone--let's be mindful of others and their needs, not just our own.

Prov 17:9 What insight! With love in our hearts, we don't wish for someone to suffer excessive sorrow over a minor mistake--rather, we're eager in love to forgive them, and try not to bring it up again and again. An unforgiving person, on the other hand, is dealing treacherously with relationships, is being disloyal to God and others by not seeking to resolve a matter in peace.

Prov 17:10 Let's help our dear young ones to grow in understanding by answering their questions whenever possible, not telling them that they ask too many questions, but rather, realizing that this is how they grow in understanding of life. Encourage them to ask you, especially regarding things pertaining to divine knowledge of God and spirituality. Your rebuke may well reach deeper in their hearts, reducing need of punishment.

Psalm 58 (Book 2, 17th psalm) shows God will in time act to spare mankind from the influence of evil, allowing true peace to flourish earthwide. Psal 58:10,11 says "The righteous one will rejoice because he has seen the vengeance...Then men will say: "Surely there is a reward for the righteous. There is indeed a God who judges in the earth." While "God is love," May we submit to God's judgements, as Abraham called Jehovah "the Judge of all the earth," and seek God's favor now, before it may be too late.

Philippians 1:9,10 reminds us of the need to differentiate sins with discernment, which is able to see the difference between the "more important things" of God's law, and lesser matters, though still required. Prayers ascended that God's servants come to have both "accurate knowledge and full discernment." Notice Paul's inspired words: "And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 10 that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ." Discernment also can see right from wrong, true from false, good from bad, and wise from unwise. This aspect of true wisdom will be valuable as we progress spiritually. Proverbs 14:15 says "The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step." May we give thought before accepting something we hear as true, applying discernment.