2019 Feb 17 Proverbs 17, Psalms, John 17
2019 Feb 17 Proverbs 17, Psalms, John 17
Wishing you a pleasant day, with a warm welcome! Let's continue in Proverbs 17, verses 21-25:
"21 The one who fathers a stupid child will experience grief; And the father of a senseless child has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength. 23 A wicked man will take a bribe in secret To pervert the course of justice. 24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, But the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A stupid son brings grief to his father And heartache to the one who gave birth to him."
Prove 17:21 May such "grief" move loving parents to take steps to correct any wrong tendencies in their child! It is "the fear of Jehovah" that is the beginning of both divine knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, how does a child learn "the fear of Jehovah?" Proverbs 2:1-5 outlines the steps to acquiring it, showing that both qualities of understanding and discernment are necessary. A person is to "call out" for such qualities--may parents and children alike petition Jehovah to receive such qualities! James 1:5,6 says "So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all..." Regarding the quality of understanding, Proverbs 17:10 says "A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times." If a child needs understanding, the ability to see the big picture and all its pieces--how they fit together to make the whole, explain the quality to him or her, and then practice this quality by going to a toy or hobby store and finding appropriate puzzles to work, and models to put together of something that interests the child. With puzzles, start "easy" with 25, 50 or 100 pieces. Once these are mastered, move up another 50. The model should add the element of three dimensions, you may just need to help at first if glue is involved--teach caution with this if the child is old enough to use this on his or her own. Also, with a model, the purpose of some parts may be more obvious, like a steering wheel, for instance, whereas other parts may allow for further explanation. Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance the understanding of the child. Discernment is also vitally required for true wisdom. One needs to clearly see the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad, wise and unwise, and lesser matters from more important ones. Find games that offer practice in reasoning on such things, or invent your own. Math and logic puzzles may be helpful, as well as deciphering words and statements. Using clues to solve riddles may be especially challenging, fun and beneficial, working powers of deduction. Any child tending to make bad decisions should also be helped to see the harmful consequences of badness, learning foresighted shrewdness or prudence. This is so they may come to hate what is bad, as the "fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad." (Prove 8:13). Proverbs 22:3,4 say "3 The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. 4 The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches and glory and life." At Psalm 34:11, David is inspired to say: "Come, my sons, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of Jehovah." Using this psalm as a basis, look for an article soon to be added to this website, regarding the learning of this healthy desire not to displease our loving Father, Jehovah.
Prove 17:22 Two contrasting circumstances, nearly all
persons having experienced both. When one's spirit is crushed, how such a
person needs comfort, hope, and encouragement! Romans 15:4 says "For all
the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so
that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might
have hope." And 2Corinithians 1:3,4 says regarding Jehovah: "Praised
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies
and the God of all comfort,4 who comforts us in all our trials so that we may
be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive
from God." So may we look to Jehovah through prayer, as well as God's word
and perhaps other spiritually-minded loved ones and friends if our spirits are
low, pouring out our hearts primarily to Jehovah, somewhat to others, but being
"quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19). How
fine when one is experiencing a "joyful heart," as this has proven to
be "good medicine." People have been healed by appropriate laughter
or spending time with someone genuinely joyful--perhaps we can find an
upbuilding talk or speech that we enjoy listening to, or some fine comedy
routine or particular show that may be one of our favorites. While we shouldn't
foolishly laugh at everything people do or mistakes they make, we can try to
see any humor in things that happen or things that we read or study, and
collect some enjoyable jokes, pun, riddles, and so on to share with others when
they need a lift. Doing so may help others maintain a positive, joyful outlook.
May we not overlook, however, the deep-seated, genuine joy that comes from
appreciating God and spiritual things, that may not always be evident by
laughter, or a smiling face. Proverbs 14:13 says "Even in laughter the
heart may feel pain, and rejoicing may end in grief." Thus loving and
practicing what is right and good in the eyes of Jehovah will bring His
pleasure and blessing, and truly uplift others.
Prove 17:23 Notice that such bribe-taking is practiced by the
"wicked." We are not talking about lawful fees for services rendered.
Rather, impartial, fair justice is not being practiced. People in positions of
authority are wanting, or being coerced into accepting money to perform some
favor for someone with the money, often to get around a rule, law, requirements, or "red
tape" to get what they want as soon as possible. This discourages
fair-minded respect for law, which can contribute to a disobedient, rebellious
spirit among others. There is no need for this! Yes, we still have to put up
with imperfection and be patient, showing understanding when things don't
always go our way in this current system of things. But we can look forward to
God's kingdom setting all matters right, and bringing the true peace and
harmony that God intended for mankind. Even now, if there is too much "red
tape" involved in a process, those in authority should take a look at
simplification, to save precious time for those involved. For instance, how
might information already obtained about someone be used to reduce the amount
of paperwork necessary to get something done? Some states, for instance, have
honed good procedures for accomplishing necessary tasks of their citizens, that
other states or even the Federal government might perhaps benefit from. The
same principles can be applied perhaps within the family or home. Look for ways
to simplify necessary work, that so much time may not be spent needlessly.
Still, may we show patience when it simply cannot be avoided.
Prove 17:24,25 Recall that the stupid one often knows the right thing but does not do it, as if he or she doesn't appreciate that God is looking out for our happiness and welfare in giving us HIs laws and guidelines, to protect us from unnecessary harm both spiritually and physically. Such a person is contrasted with a discerning one, who has pondered a little more, and discerns God's interest in us and that it is a matter of importance to obey Him. Thus, wisdom is in front of a discerning person, likely properly fearing God, and hating badness. The stupid, however, with eyes wandering "to the ends of the earth," may be looking everywhere except where they are heading. Proverbs 4:25 says "Your eyes should look straight ahead, Yes, fix your gaze straight ahead of you." As children grow, help those with wandering, trivially curious eyes, to learn to appreciate the more important things to be considering, and to disregard things that are much less important. By doing what we can to assist those dangerously leaning toward badness, they may happily avoid bringing grief and heartache to parents and loved ones.
Psalm 106 (Book 4, 17th psalm) contains 48 verses, which we may consider about 3-5 at a time over the remainder of the month. Psalm 106 recounts many of God's wonderful works, picking up somewhat from the works in Egypt mentioned in Psalm 105. Verses 1-3 of Psalm 106 say: "Praise Jah! Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever. 2 Who can fully declare Jehovah’s mighty acts Or proclaim all his praiseworthy deeds? 3 Happy are those who act with justice, Who always do what is right." What an opening! We're reminded of God's goodness, loyalty and love toward His human creation, realizing that His mighty acts and deeds are too numerous and extensive to recount. Yet He takes note of and rewards those who act justly, always doing right. We really can consistently do the right thing, and we find genuine happiness when we do so! There is still so much room for variety and individuality living within the framework of God's right standards!
John 17:1-3 begins one of the last prayers Jesus spoke during his former life and ministry, and one of the most informative recorded for our benefit. It begins this way: "1 Jesus spoke these things, and raising his eyes to heaven, he said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your son so that your son may glorify you, 2 just as you have given him authority over all flesh, so that he may give everlasting life to all those whom you have given to him. 3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." Coming to know, or getting to know, Jehovah, "the only true God," and the Son he "sent, Jesus Christ," would mean everlasting life to hopefully billions of mankind, including those living in the past, to be resurrected into paradisaic conditions on earth. Certainly God's word the Holy Bible adds to our understanding of God and His son. May we read or listen to it regularly, gradually drawing closer to God and Jesus through prayer, study, and meditation, or pondering what we're learning, asking the right questions to effectively apply it to our daily life. We may thus develop heart appreciation for the privilege of serving God faithfully and happily alongside others, for a joyous eternity!
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