2020 Apr 24 Proverbs 12, Deuteronomy 04F, TWGA, weekly CTC
2020 Apr 24 Proverbs 12, Deuteronomy 04F, TWGA, weekly CTC
“24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule, But idle hands will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word cheers it up. 26 The righteous one searches out his pastures, But the course of the wicked leads them astray. 27 The lazy do not chase after the prey, But diligence is a man’s precious treasure. 28 The path of righteousness leads to life; Along its pathway there is no death.”
Prove 12:24 Would you like to become wisely skillful in your work? Proverbs 22:29 says “29 Have you seen a man skillful at his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before common men.” One of the first of the proverbs, in chapter 10, verse 4, says “ 4 Idle hands will cause poverty, But diligent hands bring riches.” You may recall that laziness is often brought on by being praised excessively for simply having knowledge of things, contributing to pride, rather than for the work or effort to use that knowledge wisely and skillfully to benefit others or perhaps yourself. The Scriptural encouragement is found at Proverbs 6:6-11, beginning with the words: “6 Go to the ant, you lazy one; Observe its ways and become wise.” The ants work individually without even needing a “commander.” They are what are often called “self-starters.” Our motivation to work should largely come from God, as we seek to represent Him well before others. If we worship and represent the God who “created all things”, can we not become capable as a diligent worker? Colossians 3:23 instructs: “23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men.” When learning a new skill, simply take it one step at a time, trying to see the purpose behind each step in the procedure. You, too, can become skillful and a diligent worker, to God’s honor!
"25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word cheers it up."
Prove 12:25 We should recognize the role anxiety can play in how one feels, contributing to depression, or feelings of worthlessness. Clearly, we want to avoid such feelings whenever possible, not touching them with a 10-foot pole, so to speak. God’s enemy has wanted people to lose their hope of eternal life, but we should be determined never to let that happen. Hope is like “an anchor for the soul [or, “life”]” and is considered the “helmet of salvation,” protecting the mind, or our mental faculties. Perhaps Philippians gives us the finest counsel, revealing the powerful effect prayer can have on a person. We read, in Phili. 4:6,7 “6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” The God of hope, Jehovah, is eager to come to our aid if we look to Him for guidance and direction in life! (Psalm 25:5). A “good word” cheers up a man’s heart. God’s word is full of fine counsel and encouragement that helps us maintain a positive, joyful outlook. Proverbs 15:15 says this: “15 All the days of the afflicted one are bad, But the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” This powerfully shows the pointlessness of having a negative attitude on things, seeing only the bad, as if it’s unavoidable. A cheerful heart is one with a positive, hopeful outlook, and is said to have a “continual feast”—appreciating many fine gifts that each day may bring. May we, to the extent possible, choose a positive outlook, hoping in our great God, Jehovah, all day long.
"26 The righteous one searches out his pastures, But the course of the wicked leads them astray."
Prove 12:26 Pastures are a feeding ground for sheep, for
instance. So we might conclude that a righteous one searches for good
instruction to feed others, especially those under his watch care. Thus another translation says “The
godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.” Especially should family heads be on the lookout for what will encourage family members in their various challenges or steps of progress spiritually or otherwise. A weekly time for family discussion, besides daily interaction such as a family meal, works well for many to address any issues that have come up during the week or that may arise in the near future, or that may prove to be of assistance in a group setting. Reserve more private counsel where appropriate. However best for your family, let family heads aim that none of those in their care are neglected physically or spiritually. Learn to rely upon Jehovah to provide for all such ones. Psalm 37:5 says "Commit your way to Jehovah; Rely on him, and he will act in your behalf."
"27 The lazy do not chase after the prey, But diligence is a man’s precious treasure."
Prove 12:27 Again, diligence leads to success, the rewards of skillful work. This can make the difference in being able to provide for our family, one of the responsibilities or duties of a family head, usually the husband and father. 1Timothy 5:8 shows the seriousness of the matter, in saying: “8 Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” Now situations vary, including the economic environment where a family may reside. God is ultimately the one to judge such matters, but certainly knows how to help those rightly looking to Him to provide as needed. While enjoying occasional rest and refreshment, may we be moved to avoid laziness and care well for our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. This may be both spiritually and physically.
"28 The path of righteousness leads to life; Along its pathway there is no death.”
Prove 12:28 This must refer to spiritual or lasting death, as even faithful early Christians are spoken of as being "asleep in death." (1Cori 15:6). No lasting death will befall one on the path of righteousness. You may recall that righteousness is the framework for a happy and successful life, as possible now, even more so everlastingly in God’s new world. True righteousness is built on faithful trust in God and Jesus, and the ransom sacrifice for forgiveness of sins, with a determination to happily live in harmony with God’s standards. This is with recognition that God knows what’s best for us, what way of living will bring us the greatest happiness and satisfaction. He knows how humans can get along with one another in genuine peace and harmony. He alone can give us the best life possible into an eternity, including a loyal marriage partner to share life with. May we delight in God’s wonderful purpose for mankind, as we lovingly serve “the happy God !” (1Timo 1:11).
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DEUTERONOMY 04F
After declaring that Jehovah GOD would not neglect His purpose for the human family, Moses continues with how He confirmed to Israel His identity as "the true God":
Last week’s conclusion included this thought: 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! Let’s look at another issue that needs to be addressed in this nation, the United States, in a reasonable and fair way:
IMMIGRATION
JUSTICE? There is a heavy backlog of cases for those wishing to enter our country properly. In fact, last August, the load of cases reached 1 million, not counting an additional 0.3 million “pending” cases. Most must wait months or years for their cases to complete, and many (not all) cases drag on for nearly two years time! At that time, these cases were evidently being handled by less than 500 judges in the court system. With respect to the president, this may have increased since then, and of course these judges work tirelessly to do what they can, and deserve much commendation. How did God feel about such foreigners in His land of Israel? The people of Israel had become foreign residents in the land of Egypt, before God saved them from slavery there. Likewise many early settlers in the land of the United States had been persecuted religiously in their former land, and were able to escape from such to serve God freely in this land. Thus, in this setting, God told Israel they must view them as He views them:
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 “He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing. You too must love the foreign resident, for you became foreign residents in the land of Egypt.”
When a case arose involving a foreigner, it was to be handled fairly—impartially, the foreigner was not to be misjudged, but treated as fairly as a native of the land. As Moses had instructed Israel:
Deuteronomy 1:16 “At that time I instructed your judges, ‘When you hear a case between your brothers, you are to judge with righteousness between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.”
How might issues involving immigrants or the increasing migrants at our border looking for a safe refuge be resolved adequately? Supposing God’s Kingdom was to begin rule first in this land, before gradually extending to other lands? How might this potentially grievous situation be handled?
FIRST , the case process needs to be streamlined. It is taking far too long to resolve many cases. The qualifications and standards to be met need to be clarified to all, that they may have all necessary information in order and receive judgment more quickly. Would it not be reasonable for any who wish to apply to enter this country legally to be able to be heard in a matter of weeks at most, and have a resolved case within a week or two afterward? Let’s streamline the process early on, so the cases do not unnecessarily drag out.
NEXT , it will take some time to reduce the caseload. We need additional experienced or qualified judges to handle more cases, to speed up this process. While taking some time, even several years, certain cases may still be earmarked for more urgent attention, as with those in special need of refuge. Let’s set a maximum goal of 10 years time to resolve all cases, until most every case can be handled in a matter of 1-2 weeks time. Let’s find all those recently retired judges who are now receiving their due social security payments, who are willing to come back for a time, receiving wages along with their SSI payments, to reach a total of 110% of their former wage before retirement. Any who would come back for 5 years may receive this wage for that entire time. Thus there may be some monetary incentive to returning to help with this caseload, but should still be considered a labor of love. Also, let those judges who are in their last 5 years of service consider as well extending their work for an additional 5 years, at 110% of their wages at the time they would otherwise be retiring. Thus, there can be, with God’s blessing, an adequate number of experienced judges to handle the additional caseload.
THEN , where are they to work, when the normal legal process must take place in the courts during the day? Why not arrange for a night court to handle these additional cases, in the same courtrooms as being used in the daytime? Additional security can be hired and provisions put in place to reasonably handle this new arrangement. The number of additional judges should not exceed the available courtroom space for night-time work.
HOW will all this be paid for? Remember, most of those wishing to immigrate to this land are coming from a place of meager means—often they are barely able to feed their families. Getting even a menial job in this land can be far more lucrative than employment in their former land. Why not require family heads to pay a percentage of their wages over 5 years time, gradually reducing the amount each year, until they are free of such? Let’s start with 10% the first year, then drop to 8% the next, and so on until the fifth year they need only give 2%. This will not only pay for the additional judges and costs of running the night court system, but may also make possible a fund for some sort of social intervention where needed in some cases. This 5-year time is evidently also the minimum time someone must hold a green card before they may qualify to become a U.S. citizen. Thus when they’ve paid their last dues, they know they now meet at least that part of the criteria.
ALSO , during the time that a family’s case comes up to be heard, and is ongoing, why not take this opportunity to educate this family as regards the laws and value system of our country? We might ensure computer/internet access and a series of instructional tutorials etc. to accomplish this. After all, God required foreign residents of Israel to keep the same laws, and suffer the same penalties for violating them. Thus, they will need to learn these things to live in our land, and abide by such. Thus, God instructed Israel:
Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, the men, the women, the children, and your foreign resident who is within your cities, in order that they may listen and learn about and fear Jehovah your God and take care to carry out all the words of this Law.
CONCLUSION
JUSTICE. While other aspects of immigration also need to be addressed, certainly a program such as this could be a fine starting point for dealing with the current situation. Why, there may even be enough money in the immigration fund to assist with payment of a hotel stay for those having their cases heard in the court. God’s Kingdom will no doubt lovingly address all such issues in an adequate way, that the conditions foretold for the earth can become a reality—a lovely just and peaceful Paradise, both spiritually, and physically!
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!
