"5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked one Or to deprive the righteous one of justice. 6 The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels, And his mouth invites a beating. 7 The mouth of the stupid is his ruin, And his lips are a snare for his life. 8 The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels; They are gulped right down into the stomach."

EQUAL JUSTICE. Prove 18:5 We should be impartial in our judgments and dealings with others. This is an important aspect of true wisdom and of showing true love. (James 3:17; Matt 5:43-48). We're to love even our enemies, but deal with all on the basis of God's word and law, looking to God for His protection and blessing as we choose to decide and act with integrity, doing what is right before God. Thus all should experience equal justice under the law.

"6 The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels, And his mouth invites a beating."

DISAGREEABLE SPEECH. Prove 18:6 The "stupid" one scripturally often knows the right thing but doesn't do it. Such a one often acts selfishly and with contentiousness, thus being argumentative. He needs to humble himself before God, accepting His loving counsel and correction, appreciating God's love as evidenced by His many gifts to us each day. He should turn his ear to God's wisdom, and begin listening to God and others more than speaking his own ideas.

"7 The mouth of the stupid is his ruin, And his lips are a snare for his life."

TO TRULY LISTEN! Prove 18:7 We should all heed the words of James, at James 1:19: "Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." We all have two ears and one mouth, reminding us that we should usually listen about twice as much as we speak. Prove 10:19 says "When words are many, transgression cannot be avoided, but whoever controls his lips acts discreetly." Also, sadly, the more a person speaks foolish ideas disrespecting God and His standards, the more these ideas may become entrenched within, possibly becoming "a snare for his life." May we thus act to correct foolish talk, in hopes of saving the lives of such ones. They are in dire need of the skill of listening, of discernment and understanding, to acquire the proper fear of God, which "means the hating of bad," and which is the start of acquiring genuine wisdom (Prove 2:1-6; 8:13; 9:10).

"8 The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels; They are gulped right down into the stomach."

INDIVIDUAL MASTERPIECE. Prove 18:8 This is stating a sad fact about imperfect human nature--we should work to avoid 'gulping down' the words of a slanderer. We should turn a deaf ear, try to change the subject, or speak something good of the person being attacked. Perhaps this has been true in times past, but it needn't and must not be something that continues to threaten the peace and happiness of the human family into the future! Let's be determined to remain loyal to God and others, not searching for reasons to be suspicious of one another's motives, but rather, seeing the good in one another. Of course, if someone has clearly violated God's orders or serious laws, we do need to stand against such wrongdoing. Nevertheless, most people, lovers of God, who wish to live rightly, usually have good reasons for their speech and actions, and we should lovingly aim to give them the benefit of the doubt. We want to maintain faith in the human family, as God does, expecting eventual good from people, seeing their potential as loyal, faithful servants of God. Each person, made in God's image, may be likened to an artistic masterpiece that has been damaged by imperfection, yet seeking to be painstakingly restored by professionals, ultimately under God's supervision, working tirelessly to bring life back to the beautiful work of God.

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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTERS

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION

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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)

Let's continue that last theme,

KEEPING MONEY IN IT'S PLACE.

1Timothy 6:17-19: "Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy.18 Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life."

With many returning to some degree of work activity, they may finally recover from a difficult period lacking much of what they used to be able to afford week to week. Most have found ways to cut back on monthly expenses, while seeking to have some quality of life remain intact. Likely, many will continue thrifty practices, even after beginning to receive a more "normal" paycheck. Let this be an opportunity to set a new standard of saving. Once paying off accumulated debts, what a fine time and reminder to aim to avoid ever allowing oneself or one's family to get under that burden again, if at all possible. While certain debts have some value, and are often considered normal to acquire, such as debt for a home or a vehicle, it is nevertheless wise if at all possible to save a decent percentage of the loan amount before getting the loan, which may lessen greatly the loan term and rate. For smaller items, why not if possible save up for it, and purchase it outright, with cash? Or it might be purchased with a credit card, and paid off quickly, as one way to establish better credit. Also, must we always live according to our means? Can we maintain a happy, peaceful lifestyle living on a little less, while saving what we can? Why not set aside an agreed amount each month if possible, and aim to have an emergency fund for those unexpected situations? Another fund might also be added to, such as a vacation or recreation fund for use on occasion. By now, you may have become expert at budgeting. So let's use the acquired talents, and avoid giving in to the urges to spend, spend, spend, if it's not necessary! While we can enjoy to some extent things money can buy, let's maintain our greatest appreciation for our relationships with God, with one another, and for spiritual values--our source of greatest and lasting happiness and peace. Even those with wealth need to be careful about their money: 1Timothy 6:17-19 for instance offers this counsel: "Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy.18 Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life."

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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

First of all, I'd like to explain to any who have considered borrowing my ideas to advance their political agenda that it would not be fair to do so, especially to take credit for them as if they had anything to do with their origination. Many of the things presented in this segment over the past several weeks, with God's help, have been patented so as to prevent someone, even without realizing, from disrespecting what rightly belongs to another. Of course in honor of God and others I seek peace, and let such ones do the same, as true peace respects God's standards involving unselfish consideration for one another. Please may they be fair about this, as they have had much opportunity to advance their own ideas, and I have not yet been able to get to be in the eye of the public the same as they have been. This is not intended to discourage those who wish to encourage others with what I've shared and cooperate with God's Kingdom in accomplishing the policies I have outlined or similar policies that would be successful with God's blessing, working together to bring about the foretold conditions that have been promised.

Week 16: ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: MORE ORDERLY TIME

POSSIBLE? Two months from now, on the 16th of the month, what day of the week will it be? How would you like to know the answer without having to check your phone, calendar, or appointment book, or recall some complex memorization device? What if time or days could be measured in a more orderly way? Might this increase our ability to organize activities better, and promote greater happiness? How would you like every month to begin on a Monday? What if every month was 4 weeks, or 28 days long? Is it possible to maintain this year after year? Many may recall that the year can primarily be split into 4 divisions of 13 weeks each, totaling 364 days. Thus, turning this around, could we have 13 months of 4 weeks each? And could we incorporate one additional month in a way that wouldn’t upset the balance of seasons that we’ve become accustomed to?

IT IS POSSIBLE! The answers may indeed be a resounding YES! Would the additional month necessarily have to be at the end of the year? Or rather, could it be divided up, one week at a time, at the conclusion of each 3-month period, at the beginning of each season? Initially, I proposed the month be named Humanity, largely as a reminder of the one human family God made, and the dignity with which we should accord one another within this family. However, the name of a month needs to be chosen carefully, so that it not be confused with normal words, which can cause misunderstandings, especially in the ears of young children. For instance, Humanity 1, Humanity 2, etc. could be misconstrued. Researching the origins of the word “month” led to a proposed adjustment, to recommend calling the month Humaneth. The meaning may be retained, and the origins explained and related to the appealing term of Humanity. Thus Humaneth 1-7 could appear at the end of the first 3 months, some days after the beginning of the spring equinox, which would normally occur around the time of March 20. And after 3 full months of 4 weeks each, what if some may even be able to have this week off from normal work activities, an additional rest and recreational period to add to the blessings of God’s Kingdom arrangement? Granted, this might not be possible for everyone, but perhaps those that must still work, may work less, and possibly alternate with other workers, to have off some other time of the year. We may be surprised what is possible with God’s blessing on this arrangement! What a fine time of reflection and activity each of these weeks could be, as we prepare for a new season!

YEAR TO YEAR? So with 4 separate weeks of Humaneth, the final being Humaneth 22-28 after the last normal month of the year, what can be done to account for the additional 1-1/4 days, the year actually being 365-1/4 days long? First, we need one additional day each year, to maintain the first of each month as Monday, the beginning of the week we’ve grown accustomed to. I would propose we call this “Saneday,” as Humaneth 29, as this would help maintain our sanity. It would follow the Sunday of Humaneth 28, and avoid causing confusion with another day Monday through Sunday, which could be maintained each as 52 days of the year. Then, every fourth year, we would need one more additional day, Humaneth 30, to account for the Leap year. I would like to propose we actually call this “Quad Day,” having reference to the number 4, as I believe it would be advantageous for us to refer to each 4-year cycle as a “Quad.” It is evidently a period of time God built in to Earth’s journey around the Sun, and a period that should be recognized in some useful way, in counting time.

OTHER MONTH NAMES. Then, while we’re looking at such significant changes, could we not reconsider even the names of our months? How beneficial are the meanings of the months as they are? What if they could be renamed in a way that would help our precious children gain values and understand more of what’s important in life, to be happier and more at peace with themselves and others? Let’s propose names that have meaning and provide some order to values contributing greatly to a wise and peaceful human family. Again, we can be careful to choose names that wouldn’t be confusing to words used ordinarily, so the names shouldn’t necessarily sound familiar:

In a new world of God’s making, benefitting from the rule of His Kingdom,

The first three months might be named accordingly:

Prudency (Pru.) - Many would agree the first month should be about foresight, looking ahead at the upcoming year, perhaps doing some planning, and considering far-reaching goals. Prudence is a highly important aspect of divine wisdom, involving the looking ahead at the consequences of our decisions, and choosing a wise course. Hence, an appropriate name to begin the year. Some Bibles refer to this quality as “shrewdness.” (Proverbs 14:15).

Hopengod (Hop.) - Vital for happiness, and needed to be restored quickly if ever lost, is HOPE. And our hope should be in our Creator, first and foremost. For those feeling the need, they might write this as HopenGod. Either way, the meaning should be understood. (Romans 15:4).

Noli (Nol.) - An important early value is learning to tell truth from falsehood. What a vital, life-saving ability! May we aim to gain and refine the wisdom to tell the difference, and refuse to carry on or promote harmful untruths.

After 4 weeks each of these months, would come the first week of Humaneth, 1-7.

The next three months of Spring might then be named:

Agreeness (Agr.) Typically an agricultural month, the name suggests a measure of peace brought by hope, and the abbreviation fits well with agriculture. Peace is to be a hallmark of God’s new world, so it appears here early on in development. This is a quality God expects us to strive to maintain with Him and fellow humans, never growing bitter and allowing hatred to fester toward others, but rather treating others with compassion and understanding where possible.

Rightness (Rtn.) Under peaceful conditions, the practice of right conduct can blossom and flourish. This, of course, is God’s standard of righteousness we seek, in harmony with divine wisdom. (James 3:18).

Hapnesy (Hap.) At this point, genuine happiness can begin to blossom as well, as we come to live in harmony with godly wisdom and standards. True happiness is thus appropriately linked with peace and right, fair conduct.

After 4 weeks each of these months, would come the second week of Humaneth, 8-14.

The following three months of Summer might then be named:

Theodevo (Thd.) This refers to an important quality in the development of a person, as it’s meaning relates to Godly devotion. The very first of the Ten Commandments requires that we give God exclusive devotion, not worshiping anyone or anything else. This makes possible His blessing on us as individuals, and as a nation or people. This quality was recognized by many of those founding this country, as they sought to worship God more freely in accord with His word the Bible. It is God Himself who made possible the founding of such a nation, in spite of the imperfections and weaknesses of men, and we do well to rightly give Him credit for such achievements.

Holdfast (Hol.) On the heels of godly devotion, we may appreciate the integrity it inspires within us, the determination to hold to divine standards. This is where God’s blessing is largely found, sticking to His ways despite hardship or pressure to do otherwise.

Pacness (Pac.) Again, peace can be maintained largely when learning to practice and hold to God’s ways and standards. God instructs us with commands that largely promote such peace among one another, it being a vital quality He wants us to practice. Jesus emphasized this quality throughout the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9, 22-24; 6:14-15; 7:12).

After 4 weeks of each of these months, would come the third week of Humaneth, 15-21.

The concluding three months of Fall or Autumn might then be named:

Autisciplince (Aut.) Our longest name, it carries an abbreviation appropriate for the beginning of Autumn. It’s meaning involves Self-discipline. How much better when we can correct ourselves to avoid wrongdoing, before others lovingly attempt to do so themselves! While we want to appreciate the appropriate efforts of others to offer correction where necessary, the development of this quality may enhance one’s life considerably.

Goodsee (Gds.) After an early reminder to hope in God, we now may see much good from hard work and such faith as any remaining harvesting of crops takes place and we experience the fruitage of this work. This is a reminder of God’s blessing, and may cause appreciation and thankfulness to overflow within us.

Loyalness (Loy.) To round out the year, loyal love is a crowning goal and accomplishment, something all should strive for. This love should be shown to God first, then fellow humans, treating them in a beneficial way promoting their long-term happiness. This name thus carries such significance. Most of these values find good order as qualities that make for fruitful activity and a positive contribution to society.

After 4 weeks of each of these months, would come the fourth week of Humaneth, 22-28, 29 (proposed "Saneday"), and every fourth year, 30 (proposed "Quad Day")

CONCLUSION:

GOD’S INSTRUCTION. It is strongly believed that if this arrangement of names is used, the children learning them will be more inclined toward genuine peace and happiness! Of course, this would still be with loving parental guidance and instruction. How much better to have month names with such meaning as it relates to the acquisition of divine wisdom and happiness! Of course, it is Jehovah God Himself who offers us instruction to develop heart appreciation for such qualities. May we not take them for granted, and encourage others to grow in their love for God and others. And may we perhaps enjoy the passing of time even more, as it proves to take place in a more orderly way. It is believed that such a change as this could take place following one year after this one concludes, beginning 2022, as already much has been planned by business and other organizations for the next year. For plans further out, charts and apps can be made to easily convert to the new format. At the latest, it could be recommended to start 2024, as the first day of that year is back around to Monday. But that is not necessary--2022 would work, as it is the number of the day of the year that must be maintained--not the days of the week, all of which will need to be adjusted with this new arrangement, but will be even easier to forecast going forward from the time it begins. Also, while correcting our calendar, God has indicated that the century omission of leap year or "Quad Day" need no longer be acknowledged--He intended an exact 365.25 day length year for planet Earth, not a complicated mathematical formula--the adjustment of 1 Quad Day every four years is sufficient. May we continue looking forward to the blessings of God’s Kingdom, and the happier lives we can live at that time with His blessing upon His people—all those cooperating with His will earth-wide!