“27 The one who diligently seeks to do good seeks favor, But the one searching for bad—that is what will surely come upon him. 28 The one trusting in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the foliage. 29 Anyone who brings trouble on his household will inherit the wind, And the fool will be a servant to the wisehearted one. 30 The fruitage of the righteous one is a tree of life, And the one who wins souls is wise. 31 If, indeed, the righteous one on earth is rewarded, How much more the wicked one and the sinner!”

Prove 11:27 Divine favor may be upon the one who seeks to practice what is good. Of course, we need godly discernment to tell good from bad, especially in this world where often what is bad is made to appear good. Isaiah 5:20 says “20 Woe to those who say that good is bad and bad is good, Those who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, Those who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” What is truly good is in harmony with the light of truth and is sweet to taste, as opposed to the dark and bitter reality of badness. God understands the difference perfectly, and warns us from the problems, troubles, pain and stain of pursuing what is bad. Look for the benefits of doing what is right and good before Jehovah. May we thus maintain His divine favor, while those seeking bad will not escape the bad effects thereof.

"28 The one trusting in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the foliage."

Prove 11:28 Clearly, “righteous” ones are not trusting in their “riches” or wealth, material or spiritual, such as in their own experience, but they instead trust in Jehovah and His reliable word. As Proverbs 3:5-7 encourages, they do not rely on their own understanding, but trust Jehovah with all their heart, and take His view into consideration in all they do. They thus avoid becoming “wise in [their] own eyes,” but instead remain humble and obedient to God. If they would trust in their own selves or material wealth, they would likely become prideful, leading to a “crash” or “fall.” (Prove 16:18).

"29 Anyone who brings trouble on his household will inherit the wind, And the fool will be a servant to the wisehearted one."

Prove 11:29 Why “inherit the wind,” losing the beneficial influence one might have had on his own family, by bringing trouble upon his household? May a husband and father strive diligently to practice true love for his family, and turn to God in prayer for needed assistance, rather than to the bottle, drugs, or some other crutch of addiction. Nor should one turn to unlawful practices as stealing to support his family or bad habits, setting a foolish, poor example for his family and others. Rather, trusting in God, may family heads learn to become “wise hearted,” looking to God’s word for the advice and wisdom needed to care properly for loved ones.

"30 The fruitage of the righteous one is a tree of life, And the one who wins souls is wise."

Prove 11:30 Part of becoming “wise hearted” is understanding the course of living rightly by God, appreciating and keeping God’s laws, commands, and guidance in life. As 1John 5:3 states: “3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” At Matthew 11:19 Jesus says “...wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” Living in such a way can benefit others profoundly, leading them on the course of eternal life, rescuing them from the darkness.

"31 If, indeed, the righteous one on earth is rewarded, How much more the wicked one and the sinner!”

Prove 11:31 How fine that God rewards the righteous with eternal life and many blessings throughout! Evil ones, however, receive no such reward. If God intervenes in their life, it would likely be revealing to them the fruitless consequences of badness--the "reward" of wrongdoing. Such a course leads only to unhappiness and loss of God’s favor and blessing. Proverbs 10:22 says “22 It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it.” May we thus choose the course leading to endless blessings, happiness, and peace for humanity!

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DEUTERONOMY 01C

NOT TOO LONG. On an important note, it is my understanding that God does not want us to stay long in this book of Deuteronomy—as Christians today many have already learned lessons that Israel had to learn in the wilderness over several years—I really wanted to focus more on Moses’ exhortations to continue to love and obey Jehovah, and also to review some pertinent laws that were related in this book. So let’s begin skipping around, for perhaps a few weeks, and when we’re done we can move forward to the next one. Still, we’ll see what reminders we can glean from Israel’s diminished faith in Jehovah at that time...

19 “Then we departed from Horʹeb and marched through all that great and fearsome wilderness that you saw on the way to the mountainous region of the Amʹor·ites, just as Jehovah our God had commanded us, and we eventually came to Kaʹdesh-barʹne·a. 20 I then said to you, ‘You have come to the mountainous region of the Amʹor·ites, which Jehovah our God is giving to us. 21 See, Jehovah your God has given the land over to you. Go up, take possession of it, just as Jehovah, the God of your forefathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or terrified.’

THEY WERE FOCUSING TOO MUCH ON PHYSICAL TRAITS. However, all of you approached me and said, ‘Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land for us and bring word back to us as to what route we should take and what kind of cities we will encounter.’ 23 The suggestion seemed good to me, so I selected 12 of your men, one for each tribe. 24 They left and went up into the mountainous region and reached the Valley of Eshʹcol and spied it out. 25 They took some of the fruitage of the land and carried it back to us, and they brought word back to us, ‘The land that Jehovah our God is giving us is good.’ 26 But you refused to go up, and you rebelled against the order of Jehovah your God. 27 You kept grumbling in your tents and were saying, ‘It was because Jehovah hated us that he brought us out of the land of Egypt to hand us over to the Amʹor·ites to annihilate us. 28 What kind of place are we going to? Our brothers made us lose heart by saying, “They are a people greater and taller than we are, and their cities are great and fortified to the heavens, and we saw the sons of the Anʹa·kim there.”’

CONTINUE TO RELY ON GOD’S SPIRIT. Notice that focusing on the physical traits of the people they were to battle weakened their faith in God. On the other hand, Jehovah wants us to have confidence in Him, and rely upon His mighty holy spirit. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “6 He then said to me: “This is the word of Jehovah to Ze·rubʹba·bel: ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” says Jehovah of armies.” Of course, today we wage primarily a spiritual warfare, as “God does not desire anyone to be destroyed, but desires all to attain to repentance.” And “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1Timothy 1:15). Still, a nation is to be equipped to defend itself. Yet, may as many as possible turn to a loving God for eternal hope and happiness! We need to stick closely to God and His word, certainly so in times of judgment by Him.

MAINTAIN FAITH, OR DEEP TRUST IN GOD. “So I said to you, ‘Do not be struck with terror or be afraid because of them. 30 Jehovah your God will go before you and will fight for you, just as he did in Egypt before your very eyes. 31 And you saw in the wilderness how Jehovah your God carried you just as a man carries his son, everywhere you went until you came to this place.’ 32 But despite all of this, you did not put faith in Jehovah your God, 33 who was going ahead of you on the way, to spy out a place for you to camp. He appeared by fire at night and by a cloud in the daytime to show you the way you should walk.

Notice God’s willingness and ability to stand up for His own loyal servants. We thus can learn the lesson of trusting Jehovah fully, in whatever He commands us to do!

Next, let’s jump to Deuteronomy chapter 4, Moses’ insightful exhortation to Israel found there!
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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)

APOLLO 13, A CHALLENGING MISSION. It was 50 years ago today, April 13, 1970, that NASA’s Apollo 13 spacecraft, intended to land on the moon, suffered an oxygen tank explosion, and lost not only some oxygen, but some electricity as well, aborting the crew’s mission. Many are familiar with the history—the dramatic story—of the new mission, to get the 3-man crew safely back home, capturing the attention of the entire nation, and much of the world. Several things had to happen, many of them quite challenging, to achieve success. Most recall how the oxygen filters which removed carbon dioxide from the air needed to be refitted, requiring a NASA team working quickly, and using only what the astronauts had access to, to essentially fit a square peg in a round hole, and relay the instructions in time before breathable oxygen was depleted. If the need for this wasn’t recognized soon enough, it would have been too late. Realizing the aim was off for target Earth, a precise burn of the jets was required to manage a narrow passageway for a safe return. This had to be done without the computer guidance usually used for such purposes, and with a damaged craft. Just a slight angle too much or too little would have spelled DISASTER. Also, one of the original crew members was bumped, being projected to receive an illness rubella, but ended up not getting it and playing a crucial role in creating a power-up procedure that acquired the necessary functions with the minimal electricity available. All these and many more things were achieved by good science, many well-motivated people working together to save the courageous crew, and with someone else watching from above. We may be reminded of GOD’s contributions to humankind, in accord with HIS great power, wisdom, justice, and especially LOVE. Notice what God can, does, and will continue to do:

“We know that God makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God...” (Romans 8:28).

APPRECIATE GOD’S LOVING HAND. Not discounting the science, without God’s wise, intervening care, along with the efforts of good people for Him to bless, any number of things could have gone wrong to prevent the happy return of these men. May we never fail to appreciate God’s loving hand in our lives, as we seek to please Him, holding to a right course in life.

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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

REALITIES OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT AND BENEFICIAL STANDARDS

We’ve seen how GOD’s STANDARDS ARE REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, AND REWARDING.

We’ve also noted that: UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.

APPLYING PRECEPTS. Putting these truths together, the way true peace will be obtained and will remain among mankind will be by both GOD’s blessing, and also by the education and application of GOD’s astounding word and it’s principles, or precepts. This will be seen, for instance, in the vast reduction and practical elimination of serious and life-threatening infractions, such as regarding home and work fire hazards and alcohol-related and other harmful auto incidents. Of course, GOD’s blessings will be flowing upon mankind, and we shall have HIS assistance to promote safety, security, and happiness among one another. Yet all this will be enhanced by means of an extensive public educational policy, blessed by GOD, that will encourage awareness of HIS beneficial laws and standards. And LOVE for GOD and for one another will be the dominant motive prevailing! Let’s take the above examples and consider how we may largely eliminate such threats to our peace.

FIRE SAFETY. Under control, fire may be included among some of our most cherished memories, perhaps a campfire with family and friends roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. But out of control, what a threat to our security and happiness! In a home, for instance, what makes the difference? Isn’t it largely by being informed about fire hazards and safety, and acting accordingly, or appropriately? Today, however, how often are you presented with loving guidance or instruction in these matters? How often is commercial air time used for an educational message regarding fire safety? Yet statistics indicate roughly a 1/2 million fire incidents per year, in a nation of over 300 million people. Shall we say that’s “just” one in 600? Or, rather, is it a 1/2 million too many?

WITH JEHOVAH GOD’s BLESSING in full force under HIS RULERSHIP, HE will assist us! And efforts can be applied under the leadership of the Christ, having access to the helpful guidance necessary to QUICKLY REDUCE and PRACTICALLY ELIMINATE fire hazards around our workplaces and homes.

ADVANCEMENTS. And, advancements have been and can be made in the use of fire-resistant building materials and modifications to existing homes. Also, smarter systems can be put in place around cooking equipment and home heating systems. Recommendations can be made, or provided, to assist in such matters. All of this will just make it easier for Jehovah GOD to fulfill His promises toward mankind, as in Revelation 21:3-4:

“3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. ”

INTERVENTIONS. As the number of fires quickly drop nationwide and eventually worldwide, GOD Himself will most certainly be behind it. Even praying to Jehovah, seeking HIS help and blessing each day can reflect our humble, appreciative attitude toward life. And while we aim to maintain a sound mind, can Jehovah not intervene to prevent a serious mistake or calamity? Under the rule of HIS Kingdom, certainly HE can, as we continually look to HIM for guidance in our lives, and may we be grateful when HE does! (Compare Psalm 19:7-8, 11-14). In such ways, Paradise blessings will be achieved and experienced by mankind, and as foretold, GOD is making this possible through the Christ, the Son of man, with his co-rulers, all upholding Jehovah GOD’s sovereignty! (Matthew 19:28).

DRIVING INCIDENTS. Along the same lines, can we not expect intervention by GOD and Christ regarding the plague of driving accidents nationwide? MUCH of this is attributed to alcohol abuse—an insidious, confusing influence that deceptively disrupts normal driving skill and ability. The people of GOD will beat this problem, under Christ’s direction, as true knowledge is applied to the issue, with GOD’s blessing! Inhibitive fear itself is to be practically eliminated in GOD’s new world.

Micah 4:4 says “4 And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].”

NEVER ENDANGER OTHERS. May all take a close look at their practices in this regard. Jehovah GOD is “ready to forgive.” Some have caused others harm in the past by ignoring alcohol’s subtle and deceptive influence. May they turn around from such practices, realizing the danger, and lovingly and compassionately making arrangements so they never endanger others behind the wheel in such circumstances. And many have never fallen into this trap. Under the rulership of Christ, all will be educated in such things, so we can avoid threatening others in such ways! May we behave in ways that uphold GOD’s loving will and purpose for humans, eliminating fear and injustice in our practices. All will be helped to do so in GOD’s new world.

CONCLUSION

UTTER SORROW TO VANISH. These are just two examples of how the Christ will lead the way in an extensive educational campaign to bring such issues under control with GOD’s benevolent blessing. Arrangements will be made within GOD’s government, likely in cooperation with Christian institutions, to address various matters involving the life and health of humanity. Tears of sorrow will all but vanish as we address issue after issue needing attention to be in harmony with GOD’s loving ways and wondrous Word! May we thus continue to be educated in the marvelous ways of GOD by continually feeding at HIS table, considering thoughts from the Bible that INSPIRE, EDUCATE, CLEANSE, AND BENEFIT all humans accepting such provisions!