UPDATE 06/17-0624, "CTC CORNER--added 1John 4:19 to further explain 7 steps." Hello, with warm wishes for a lovely day, careful, safe, and considerate. Let's continue in Proverbs 17, verses 15-20, then review a selection from Christian Small Letters. Let's further consider today's TWGA, and then, in light of recent events and a prevalent longing for true justice, this week's CTC CORNER, with the topic of: EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW.

"15 Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one—Both of them are detestable to Jehovah. 16 What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom When he has no heart for acquiring it? 17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. 18 A man lacking good sense shakes hands and agrees To put up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19 The one who loves conflict loves transgression. Anyone who makes his entryway high invites a crash. 20 The one who is crooked at heart will not find success, And the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin."

GOD'S VIEW OF JUSTICE. Prove 17:15 How seriously does God take justice? Deuteronomy 32:4 says of Jehovah: "4The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he." Usually Jehovah hates the practice of bad, while loving people, even wrongdoers, hoping for their repentance. But occasionally some practice is so detestable to God that he condemns the person who practices it. Such is the case here where someone would release an evil person from due just punishment, as though he were innocent, and another who would cause a righteous one to be unjustly punished. At Isaiah 5:20,23 God says: "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!...Those who acquit the wicked for a bribe and who deny justice to the righteous!" May we seek understanding of God's righteousness, that we may hate what is bad and love what is good, in harmony with godly wisdom. God would thus say, as at Proverbs 27:11: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me." Our stand on the side of true justice and righteousness brings God great pleasure.

"16 What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom When he has no heart for acquiring it?"

HEART MOTIVE. Prove 17:16 The morally stupid one often knows the right thing but unwisely chooses against it. The proverbs laments that such a one could obtain godly wisdom while having "no heart," or "lacking good motive." He is not properly motivated, out of love for God with godly fear, or a healthy dread of displeasing God. Using divine knowledge with selfish motives--this may remind us of 2Timothy 3:5, speaking of those "having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away." As the Proverb says, "What good is it" for this to happen?

"17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress."

TRUE FRIENDSHIP. Prove 17:17 In contrast to one having "no heart," the true friend of Proverbs 17:17 has a true, deep, loyal love, eager to assist one experiencing "times of distress." Rather than fleeing those experiencing difficulty, he rather is made for helping such ones. Jehovah sets the example for this, saying of Himself, at Isaiah 57:15b: "“I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed." May we strive for true love in our life, taking steps to obtain godly wisdom which true love acts in harmony with, making it possible for our desire to love others to be wisely directed, to do what is truly in others' best and lasting welfare.

"18 A man lacking good sense shakes hands and agrees To put up security in the presence of his neighbor."

LACKING SENSE. Prove 17:18 Proverbs such as this one shows we should be very careful before putting up security for a loan--it shouldn't be done just to "show off" any kindness toward others. How easy it could be to suffer financial losses in such circumstances! God's word repeatedly gives warning to be on guard. How much better for us and others to save for what we want wherever possible, rather than seeking loans, often with exorbitant interest. This practice can lead to greater and greater debt--eventually needing to be paid at great sacrifice! Let us be in the practice of saving, rather than borrowing.

"19 The one who loves conflict loves transgression. Anyone who makes his entryway high invites a crash."

PROMOTING PEACE, HUMILITY. Prove 17:19 Loving conflict is out of harmony with the peace that God wants all mankind to enjoy, on the basis of genuine trust in God and all right-hearted humans. God's laws or Christian guidelines are set up to promote this genuine peace and associated happiness. Those loving violence and conflict, therefore, will tend to violate God's standards, sinning against God and others. Also, we would be wise to avoid flaunting any wealth we may have, as one unnecessarily 'making his entryway high.' This reflects unhealthy pride in any sort of wealth we may possess, and as we know "Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (Prove 16:18). 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." In harmony with righteousness, however, this "pretending" would not go to the point of being overtly deceitful in speech or action.

"20 The one who is crooked at heart will not find success, And the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin."

HUMILITY, AND HONEST, RIGHT CONDUCT. Prove 17:20 Among the most important of qualities before God is humility and honest integrity. God loves and blesses such qualities including genuine honesty in speech, promoting trust between fellow right-hearted ones. Deceitful hearts will not find true success, despite what they are seeking. Deceitful speech, attempting to mislead others, leads only to "ruin." How much better to learn true wisdom and righteousness, learning to hold a course of integrity, which will have the blessing of God. Having God's blessing can make us truly successful in life, leading to the reward of eternal life.

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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTERS (CSL)

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER

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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)

As shared previously, 100% pure orange juice may help provide several key nutrients beneficial for our health. You might even squeeze in a fresh orange for much added value. Here is an article I may print here:

ORANGE YOU SMART? FLORIDA ORANGE JUICE IS GOOD FOR YOU

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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

Week 15: ISSUE BY ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW

Leviticus 24:22 “‘One judicial decision will apply for you, whether a foreign resident or a native, because I am Jehovah your God.’”

HONOR GOD’S STANDARDS. While we’ve considered the subject of racism, realizing how unfair and unkind it is to view people of a different skin color than yours as somehow less of a human being, we should also make sure we comprehend God’s view of justice. The Mosaic Law made it clear that all people, regardless of their circumstance, should be entitled to honest and fair judgment in cases of wrongdoing or accusation of such, or, with sound mind, in the rights and privileges granted by law. It was pointed out, when addressing prejudice and racism, that we are made in God’s image, and therefore have a strong sense of justice, wanting to see that all—not just ourselves—are treated fairly. Deuteronomy 32:4-5 was shared: “4 The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he. 5 They have acted ruinously on their own part; They are not his children, the defect is their own. A generation crooked and twisted!” Thus, when people practice injustice, God considers them as ‘acting ruinously,’ as being ‘crooked and twisted!’ We must, then, come to learn God’s standards in life, to know right from wrong, that we may hold to a right course, and avoid harming the fabric of human society by treating others unjustly.

AVOID ‘ACTING RUINOUSLY.’ To do otherwise, to hold each person to a different standard based on biased leanings, favoring one race or skin color, persons having so much money or certain possessions, hair color, eye color, height, gender, choice of favorite foods, furniture style, favorite sport, hobby or their choice of home location or neighborhood, is to act unjustly in the eyes of God. Such treatment may even be considered by God as in part “ruining the earth.” (See Genesis 6:11-12). God is going to call such ones to account, if they do not respond to His corrective appeals to mend their unjust ways. Revelation 11 speaks of a time of judgment by God, for Him, not only to remove evil ones, but also to reward faithful ones. Nevertheless, God is abundantly merciful and patient. 2Peter 3:9 says: “9 Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” And scriptures such as Psalm 103 make His mercy clear: “103 Let me praise Jehovah; Let everything within me praise his holy name. 2 Let me praise Jehovah; May I never forget all that he has done. 3 He forgives all your errors And heals all your ailments; 4 He reclaims your life from the pit And crowns you with his loyal love and mercy. 5 He satisfies you with good things all your life, So that your youth is renewed like that of an eagle. 6 Jehovah acts with righteousness and justice For all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel. 9 He will not always find fault, Nor will he stay resentful forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve. 11 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So great is his loyal love toward those who fear him. 12 As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, So far off from us he has put our transgressions. 13 As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14 For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust.”

UNJUSTIFIED DEFIANCE. Of course, to receive equal justice under the law, judges themselves need to be having this view of matters. Leviticus 24:22 was shared at the outset. Leviticus 19:15 says similarly: “15 “‘YOU people must not do injustice in the judgment. You must not treat the lowly with partiality, and you must not prefer the person of a great one. With justice you should judge your associate.” In referring to a “lowly one” and a “great one,” God is merely recognizing that a person can become more or less well-known in society. Yet His point is, either way, this does not give them any right to violate His standards or laws, thinking their circumstance somehow justifies their defiance. Still, God’s law itself should be inherently fair to all such ones, considerate of the circumstances of each person, precious to God.

SEEING THINGS GOD’S WAY. Thus, under God’s Kingdom rule, not only will laws be corrected wherever necessary, to uphold God’s right and loving standards, but judges themselves will be willing to see things God’s way, to render truly fair and right justice to all. All such ones will be willing to acknowledge, as declared by righteous rulers at Revelation 4:11, that “11 “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” Yes, ultimately it is God’s authority that should be recognized, that makes genuine happiness possible, as peace-lovers faithfully hold to His righteous standards in life. This is the course of wisdom, as described in the Bible book of James, at James 3:17-18: “17 But the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical. 18 Moreover, the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.” This shows that adherence to God’s standards can grow and thrive among those who desire and promote peace. Those desiring an overtly selfish course that runs counter to a peace-loving society will not get to know real peace unless they mend their ways, strengthening their love for God and truth, and appreciation for His law. At 1John 4:19 we read: "We love, because he first loved us." And Psalm 119:163, 165 says: “163 I hate falsehood—I detest it— I love your law...165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; Nothing can make them stumble.” Thus we learn these seven steps in life's journey: 1) APPRECIATE GOD'S LOVE, 2) HATE FALSEHOOD, 3) LOVE GOD'S LAW, 4) RECEIVE ABUNDANT PEACE, 5) CULTIVATE TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, 6) FIND TRUE HAPPINESS, 7) REFINE TRUE LOVE

CONCLUSION

NEW HEAVEN(S), EARTH. Therefore, God will bless His Son’s efforts to ensure that true peace, happiness, love and prosperity will prevail under the rule of His Kingdom. The “new heaven(s)” mentioned in God’s word has reference to this government, but it needn’t rule only from above this planet—the term heavenly can refer to ruling powers in general—which exercise an influence over earth’s affairs. It is in this sense that the “new heaven” and “new earth” appear as mentioned in Revelation 21. This does not require all new people to replace former ones, although God’s government will be primarily be directed by faithful, integrity-keeping ones, requiring some changes. Rather, an entirely new view of ruling will have been acquired, and those of earth will largely have gained a new perspective on life, grateful for God’s abundant blessing and favor bestowed upon humankind, desiring of holding to His righteous standards. Thus great cooperation will exist to accomplish God’s marvelous will toward mankind and this planet. It is a New Jerusalem, a new spiritual governing arrangement with God’s blessing, that will bring these things about. It is in this setting that verses 3-5 of Revelation 21 are related: “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 peoples. 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.”5 And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” While some changes may happen “overnight,” others will take some time. Still, as we come to love God's law, may we rejoice at the application of truth, purity, and peace, to the earth of God’s making, and it’s resulting righteousness, justice, and happiness!