2019 Feb 18 Proverbs 18, Psalms, John 18
2019 Feb 18 Proverbs 18, Psalms, John 18
With wishes for a fine day, welcome! Let's conclude Proverbs 18 with a consideration of verses 21-24:
"21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love to use it will eat its fruitage. 22 The one who finds a good wife has found something good, And he receives Jehovah’s favor. 23 The poor man implores when speaking, But the rich man answers harshly. 24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Prove 18:21 Clearly, our words to others can promote their grasp on eternal life, or it can contribute to their loss of life--usually the choice is ours. Proverbs 12:18 says: "18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing." Those who use their tongue well can promote spiritual healing and one's welfare, and will often be rewarded by appreciative ones for their efforts, and blessed by God. Look for an upcoming article soon to the website regarding "Encouraging Upbuilding Speech."
Prove 18:22 Why? One who finds a "good wife" usually has sought Jehovah's direction and guidance in prayer, and may have prepared himself for a good marriage. This one recognizes the value and gift of marriage, and willingly accepts the responsibilities and privileges that come with it, being willing to loyally love his dear wife. He shows a willingness to wait for the right person if necessary, looking for one who likewise appreciates marriage and it's Originator. He thereby receives Jehovah's favor, for acting in harmony with God's righteousness.
Prove 18:23 The poor man tends to have a humble attitude, and "implores" or pleads earnestly, when he speaks. Is it not refreshing to hear someone speak humbly or graciously toward others? Of course, we need a measure of self-respect, and therefore should not go overboard, begging for all we need. May we confidently trust Jehovah to provide for what we truly need. Still, the "rich" or wealthy man may answer "harshly." He tends to have a proud demeanor, and is more demanding in his requests. His harsh speech often comes across as rough, disagreeable, or unpleasant. Proverbs 13:7 says "There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; There is another who pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." Even if we may have some "wealth," may be prefer to treat others with thoughtfulness, kindness, humility, 'pretending to be poor,' as it were. To clarify, we shouldn't however "pretend" to be humble--this quality is an essential to walk with godly fear and to be cultivating true love for God and others. Thus, "consider others superior to you," recognizing their stores of knowledge, gifts and talents often outshine our own. A truly wise person is NOT a know-it-all. Proverbs 1:5 says "A wise person listens and takes in more instruction..." Thus true listening involves learning, and perhaps asking the right questions to enhance our knowledge.
Prove 18:24 Clearly, many have not learned how to be a good "companion." It is not merely being with each other that makes for good companionship. Such persons should learn how to be a good friend, to be thoughtful and kind in word and deed, and patient with one another's mistakes, for instance. Proverbs 29:22 says "a man prone to anger stirs up strife..." and should quickly turn to Jehovah to acquire self-control and gentleness, a mildness of temper, that is displayed throughout each day in kind, thoughtful dealings with others. Everyone should be "slow to anger" (James 1:19). One often hot-tempered does not make good company until he gains more of the vital quality of self-control. May he do so quickly, with Jehovah's patient assistance and powerful holy spirit, producing the fruitage that includes "faith, mildness, self-control." (Galat 5:22,23). Faith in Jehovah should also help prevent us from losing our temper so easily, as Jehovah "is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear..." As soon as we become irritated about something take swift action--channel any energy into thinking through the problem to find a solution or a way to cope with it--refuse to let it get to the point of anger, which rarely leads to good results--it hinders clear thinking, often causes hurt feelings, and can even make one sick! Thus David says, at Psalm 37:8 "Let go of anger..." Upholding God's standards, look to God's word for advice on being a good friend, and may we thus find companions that stick "closer than a brother."
Psalm 106 (Book 4, 17th psalm continued) Verses 4-8 say "Remember me, O Jehovah, when you show favor toward your people. Take care of me with your acts of salvation, 5 So that I may enjoy the goodness you show your chosen ones, That I may rejoice along with your nation, That I may proudly praise you along with your inheritance. 6 We have sinned just as our forefathers did; We have done wrong; we have acted wickedly. 7 Our forefathers in Egypt did not appreciate your wonderful works. They did not remember your abundant loyal love, But they rebelled at the sea, by the Red Sea. 8 But he saved them for the sake of his name, To make his mightiness known." May we ever desire to rejoice along with God's people. May we humbly acknowledge our own errors before Him, as we strive to be corrected, turning from a wrong course. And may we have faith in Jehovah. This Israelites often "rebelled" against Jehovah by their expressing a lack of faith--not remembering His power and loyal love toward His people. Just prior to Jehovah parting the Red Sea, many Israelites expressed their lack of faith, saying to Moses: "Is it because there are no burial places in Egypt that you have brought us here to die in the wilderness?" (Exodus 14:11). Jehovah is hurt by such expressions--Israel often rebelled and "made Him feel hurt in the desert!". (Psalm 78:40-42). May we, rather, express confidence in Jehovah's power and love exercised toward those fearing Him, as He acts out of love and "for the sake of His name, to make His mightiness known."
John 18 describes Jesus' arrest, mock trial, and questioning by Pilate. John 18:6-11 contains a glimpse of his arrest: "6 However, when Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again: “Whom are you looking for?” They said: “Jesus the Naz·a·reneʹ.”8 Jesus answered: “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill what he had said: “Of those whom you have given me, I have not lost a single one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The name of the slave was Malchus. 11 Jesus, however, said to Peter: “Put the sword into its sheath. Should I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"
Jesus spoke with authority, and those coming to arrest him knew he had done nothing wrong, and had God's backing to perform all the miracles that he did. Thus they didn't know what to expect. Nevertheless, Jesus continues to think, not merely of himself, but of his disciples, and the doing of His father's will. Regarding the ear of Malchus, it was the physician Luke's account that explains that Jesus "touched the ear and healed him." (Luke 22:50,51). Matthew's account reveals Jesus' further words, saying he could appeal to Jehovah to send "more than 12 legions of angels." But then, "how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must take place this way?" (Matth 26:52-54). May we likewise seek to uphold the will and word of God, Jehovah, not merely relying on our own understanding. (Prove 3:5-7).
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
