Welcome, wishing you a pleasant day in God's favor, remaining safe, cautious, and considerate during this time. Let's begin Proverbs 14, then consider the Fifth of the Ten Commandments, to Honor one's Parents, give attention to Today's TWGA, and the weekly CTC Corner, updated yesterday evening.
"1 The truly wise woman builds up her
house, But the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 2 The one walking
in his uprightness fears Jehovah, But the one whose ways are devious despises
Him. 3 The rod of haughtiness is in the mouth of the fool, But the lips of the
wise will protect them. 4 Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, But the
power of a bull yields an abundant harvest. 5 A faithful witness will not
lie, But a false witness lies with every breath."
Prove 14:1: The foolish one is disregarding
God's counsel or discipline, thus is missing out on the spiritual values and
wisdom necessary to be spiritually upbuilding to her family. With the "philosophy and empty deception" present in the world today, many otherwise fine men and women have hardly ever been introduced to the value of God's written word, the Holy Bible. The wisdom present therein can almost work miracles in the life of a family or person, and is worth every effort to get to know and understand. Proverbs itself is an especially worthy source of study, and it's first 9 chapters are written like a letter from a loving father to a son, with excellent counsel in how to be successful in life, in God's eyes.
"2 The one walking
in his uprightness fears Jehovah, But the one whose ways are devious despises
Him."
Prove 14:2: The upright one has
genuine godly fear, which is a healthy fear of displeasing or hurting God in
some way. HE loves us, especially if we seek to please him, and the man of
godly fear does not want to harm that relationship, or hurt God's feelings by
disobeying him in some way. This healthy fear of God encourages right and honest conduct, in contrast to the 'devious ways' of some.
"3 The rod of haughtiness is in the mouth of the fool, But the lips of the
wise will protect them."
Prove 14:3: The foolish one tends to
be haughty in spirit, offended by God's counsel or discipline, rather than
humbly accepting it and seeking to improve. We're encouraged in God's word to
consider others as superior to us, benefitting from their knowledge and
counsel. The foolish would benefit more by listening more than speaking of his
own ideas and knowledge, remembering we have two ears and only 1 mouth--James
says we should be quick to listen, but slow about speaking and slow about wrath
or anger. (James 1:19).
"4 Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, But the
power of a bull yields an abundant harvest."
Prove 14:4: The Scriptures encourage
hard work as opposed to laziness. Children should not be praised so much for
the knowledge they gain, as for putting that knowledge to work to benefit
others by it. The praise should be using their knowledge aright, to help
others. This encourages them to be busy, good workers. The verse shows hard
work pays off in an "abundant harvest."
"5 A faithful witness will not
lie, But a false witness lies with every breath."
Prove 14:5: The Christian "new
personality" seeks honesty in all things, rejecting lies as displeasing
God, the One who "cannot lie" (Titus 1:2). Says Colossians 3:9,10:
"Do not lie to one another. Strip off the old personality with its
practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through
accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who
created it." However, being honest does not mean we must reveal truth to
all persons, including those who might use the knowledge they gain to harm
others. According to Ecclesiastes 3:7 there is "a time to be silent and a
time to speak."
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Now let's consider God's next words to Israel, the fifth commandment, at Exodus 20:12.
"“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you."
Notice this honoring of one's parents was associated with long
life, clearly having God's favor, approval, and blessing. Notice Paul's
words in Ephesians 6:1-4, encouraging youths in this regard, while
cautioning parents against disheartening them. Also notice how Paul
refers to this one of the Ten Commandments--does it sound as though he
is speaking of a command that is no longer in force?
"Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for
this is righteous. 2 “Honor your father and your mother” is the first
command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may
remain a long time on the earth.”4 And fathers, do not be irritating
your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and
admonition of Jehovah."
RESPECTED, LOVINGLY ADMONISH.
Thus, in spite of any rebellious spirit that the world at times tries to
push upon children, it is right before God to treasure obedience that
is in harmony with "the Lord" Jesus Christ. Jesus himself, despite being
perfect, was submissive and obedient to his righteous, though
imperfect, parents. (Luke 2:51). Still, it is important for parents not
to "irritate" their children, with constant nagging or unwarranted
punishments. Recall that the term "discipline" comes from the same root
as "disciple." Was Jesus constantly punishing his followers, or did he
lovingly train and correct them when needed? At Deuteronomy 6, parents
were instructed regarding God's law: "6 These words that I am commanding
you today must be on your heart, 7 and you must inculcate them in your
sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on
the road and when you lie down and when you get up." Thus may the loving
"admonition" or training by parents, and "discipline" or loving
correction, come to be largely welcome by their children if possible,
and when punishment must come, let it be given in love, with the
guidance needed to learn the important lesson(s).
HEAVENLY PARENTS.
Of course, Jehovah God is our "heavenly Father," and is it not right and
reasonable to honor Him as well? Certainly we may do so by speaking
well of Him to others, and respecting His loving advice and correction
whoever we may be and however long we have known Him. How much greater
God's wisdom, knowledge, and insight than our own! Isaiah 55:9 reminded
wayward Israel: "“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my
ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts." Yet,
Psalm 138:6 says: "Though Jehovah is high, he takes note of the humble,
But the haughty he knows only from a distance." May we remain humble
before our loving God and Father, as a favorite verse of many
underscores: "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah
requiring of you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, And to
walk in modesty with your God!" (Micah 6:8). May we always aim to be
submissive to God's clear direction in harmony with His word, delighting
in loving and praising Him for His abundant goodness manifest in
various ways! The Scriptures also speak of God's collective angelic
hosts as a "woman," or God's wife. (Genes 3:15; Revel 12:1-2). These
have been looking after the everlasting interests of mankind in harmony
with God's will: "Are they not all spirits for holy service, sent out to
minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?" (Hebre 1:14).
From among them came God's Son, Jesus, and who together, with his
anointed bride, likewise assists mankind to eternal life. (1Cori 11:3;
15:45; Revel 21:2; 22:17)
The Proverbs of Solomon open with these words: "A wise son makes
his father rejoice, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother."
(Prove 10:1). May children thus appreciate the love shown by their
parents, and seek to honor them throughout their lives.
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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)
MOUTHS TO FEED.
With many families having mouths to feed, yet out of work, and having not received any federal funds of assistance, some are to the point of trying to decide between paying bills and feeding their family. Not everyone is in the same position of those who have been able to find other ways to make money, with some sort of other work, selling some belongings, or other ideas, or who have received their stimulus money already. And not everyone is near a stocked food bank, that can receive free food provisions when it becomes truly necessary.What a plight for some families!Yet, could it be possible for neighbors to help one another at this time in an exceptional way? What if there were enough people who had enough money to get by and then some, who may have already received a stimulus payment and wasn't really needy of it, or has a similar amount of money available, to be willing to LOAN $200 or more of that money to every neighbor they find out really needs the money to survive, with a signed promise in writing to return that same amount as soon as their stimulus check arrives? If that money is spent carefully, it could go a long way to postponing a desperate plight until these desperate families receive their stimulus. In Israel, fellow Israelites who were in position to do so, were to help those in need, with, not necessarily free money, but at least provide a loan without interest, so that such ones could get back on their feet. Most will gladly work as soon as they find the opportunity to do so, and pay back whatever they need in gratefulness for being rescued from such a plight! If you just can't find anyone to help, why not call a local food bank to see how you might be able to help.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says: "“If one of your brothers becomes poor among you in one of your cities of the land that Jehovah your God is giving you, do not harden your heart or be tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 For you should generously open your hand to him and by all means lend whatever he needs or is lacking."
Proverbs 3:27-28 says this: "Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away; come back later! I will give it to you tomorrow,” If you can give it now." Again, this can refer to the good gesture of 'giving' a loan, as needed.
STRETCHING THAT DOLLAR.
Even $200 can go a long way to feed one's family, if the right provisions are available. Many, of course, are learning to do this in these times. Please don't think it must be "Groceries as Usual." There are times when some have been able to live on as little as $20-30 weekly per person. Getting such essentials as milk and cereal, or even cheaper cans of evaporated milk to add water to, inexpensive fruits and vegetables such as bananas and potatoes, with some fresh carrots, celery, onions, or other salad items, dressings and condiments either cheaply or from a dollar store, inexpensive protein options such as eggs, certain cuts of meat, hot dogs, frozen or canned fish, etc., bread and chips or a few other snacks, and water and some juice perhaps as needed, can all be purchased for very little money. For individuals, a bag of potatoes may be too many, perhaps a few good individual ones or yams would be better, not going to waste. Dried beans and rice or other grains to cook may also be very economical. And a few other canned or frozen vegetables might also be found. Be careful--some inexpensive condiments, etc. contain questionable food ingredients such as alum (esp. pickle products) and too much HFCS--high fructose corn syrup, an unnatural sweetener. Be very judicious with your spending, to "stretch that dollar" as far as you can, until relief comes. Continue to pray for God's blessing on your efforts:
Psalm 55:22 says: "Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall."
And Psalm 37:25-26, of King David, who himself lived through many challenges to life, says: "I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread. 26 He always lends freely, And his children are in line for a blessing."
Therefore, trust in Jehovah God by name to provide, "while you throw all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you!" (1Peter 5:7).
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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER
Week 9:
ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: LEGAL BUSINESS CONTRACTS, ETC.
Psalms
“15 O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your
holy mountain? 2 The one who is walking faultlessly, Practicing what is
right And speaking the truth in his heart.”
Proverbs 12:19-20
“Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for
only a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But
those who promote peace have joy.”
A HOBBY?
Are you one who loves to pour over legal documents as a hobby, eager to
see what nuance you may find differing from a similar one you read six
months prior from a similar company? Granted, the reading of such
documents has become a necessary part of life today for most, and to
some extent, they serve an important purpose, in making possible agreed
upon terms and business obligations. Does it seem, however, that the
companies promoting integrity, honesty and straightforwardness are hard
to spot, based on the legal documents they put forward to do business
with you? While wanting or needing services from a business entity,
large or small, many find it a difficult challenge to weed through a
mass of words and ensure there is not some hidden trap waiting to
ensnare them unsuspectingly.
HONESTY.
At the same time, there are companies eager to have your business, who
are willing to be honest and straightforward in their terms of service,
or in what they offer in their product lines. They are willing to tell
you up front what your financial obligations are, and what they will
provide accordingly. If it was possible, they would be willing to tell
you in plain simple language what you are getting and what they are
asking for from you.
LEGALESE.
Could you see this as an issue worth addressing? Have you at times, for
instance, hesitated to sign up with a company, perhaps on the internet,
because it will require that you read through an exhaustive Privacy
Policy and Terms of Service? Or are you one who is so put off by such
legalese that you have considered clicking a box stating you have read
and agree to the terms, even though you barely skimmed through it, just
to have the product, services or information you desired? What may be
done, in the spirit of God’s incoming Kingdom, to address such concerns
as these?
STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS.
What if the major companies in an industry, willing to show a spirit of
cooperation, put their heads together and considered the terms they hold
in common with one another, and what they might be willing to agree to
in the way of fair business practices, and honest dealings with
customers? Could such groups come up with an Industry-specific GENERAL
TERMS, that relate what those specific companies hold in common or what
they are willing to hold in common? Then, each individual company might
have a few specific terms, that it could detail in another document,
some sort of SPECIFIC TERMS document. Any person who has read the
GENERAL TERMS document already, agreeing to it, may then need only read
the SPECIFIC TERMS in order to comprehend all that the company is
providing and requiring. Also, what if ALL of the FINANCIAL ISSUES
affecting the customer were addressed at the very top of each of these
documents, so there was no confusion or hidden tricks aiming to take
advantage of someone? This may reveal an honest spirit of integrity for
those companies willing to uphold such in the public eye. ANY COMPANY in
the industry who can generally meet the standards set forth in the
GENERAL TERMS document might declare their support, and develop their
own SPECIFIC TERMS document making known any additions, modifications,
or clarifications. This would save much unnecessary reading on the part
of customers.
UPDATING.
ALSO, if a GENERAL TERMS document needs to be modified or updated at
all, let an UPDATE document be released, that shows just the changes
made to the document, or all the changes made that calendar year, for
any who have already read the ORIGINAL. They need only read and
comprehend the changes. Perhaps the latest entire GENERAL TERMS document
may be posted each January 1, so that anyone can read it or be reminded
of it’s contents.
LAYMAN’S TERMS (LT) VERSION.
What if, also, such a GENERAL TERMS document could be put into an
additional LAYMAN’S TERMS VERSION, or LT VERSION, that would be no
longer than 1/3 the original legal document length, and would spell out,
honestly and openly, the primary concerns of the customer and company,
in clear and simple language, apart from the legal terminology so common
in those documents? Reading the LAYMAN’S TERMS document would give the
average person a much faster read, and way to comprehend more readily
what the legal document sets forth. Agreeing to the LT document may be a
preliminary way of indicating a willingness to cooperate or enter
agreement—they are willing to go further in pursuing the product or
service. As long as the legal document contains nothing important
intentionally hidden or missing from the LT document, the customer is
then likely willing to do business, and the reading of the legal
documents becomes more of a formality, while still, however, making it
more official.
HEADINGS.
Also, such companies who choose to uphold the aforementioned standards
of honesty, straightforwardness, fairness in business practices--general
integrity, without any underhandedness, would be welcome by me to
consider my patented license for paragraph HEADINGS, to make the reading
of these documents even more straightforward and understandable. The
headings would work in the same way as in this document, to give in a
few words generally the most helpful idea presented in the following
paragraph, building anticipation. The patent now gives students the
right to use these headings for free when writing something that is
not-for-profit.
A STANDARD PRIVACY POLICY.
Also, what if certain companies known for their integrity, security and
privacy support, such as Apple, Inc., and I believe, Microsoft Corp. now
also, similarly put forward a GENERAL PRIVACY POLICY document, that
once again several other business or internet groups may officially
support or adhere to, with perhaps just a few changes or additions?
Having read this Privacy Policy, or it’s latest update, you need only
read any PRIVACY POLICY SPECIFICS by the company of interest, to know
where it stands on this crucial issue.
FURTHER ISSUES.
Also, God's Kingdom is to bring a large measure of stability to society.
While some things may continue to change, with variety still the spice
of life, there should be less to disturb us, or threaten our peace and
happiness. Along those lines, most contracts signed in person are the
agreements that are considered binding regarding that product or
service, at least over a certain time period. However, many internet
services have been eager to change their terms at will, giving you a
short time to review these changes, and decide whether or not to
continue with their services. You're forced to change what you agreed to
when you first signed up with the company. What if more stability could
come about, with those companies willing to do things a better way?
There may be some good options: (1) What if we had at least a 6-month
standard period of time for which most such agreements would be good
for. While such terms could change anytime for new
customers, what if the agreement that a customer made with such
companies was good for a reasonable period of time? Such internet
agreements could clearly state a term for which the agreement is good
for, or possibly a date that it is good until, at which time any
adjustments or modifications could be made. There could be reasonable
time allowed for reviewing any changes to such service terms, before
making any decisions. OR, (2) Such a company might set a date yearly or a
time every so often to make significant changes to the internet
environment of it's customers, and make the terms good until that date,
so that any changes to the system may be uniformly reflected to all
customers at the same time. Stating a TERM for the agreement may be very
helpful, and hopefully in most cases any changes afterward would be few
and far between. Such would reduce worry of unexpected and unsettling
emails requiring you to review the updated terms. And again, when the
term is up, why not provide a document showing just the changes to the
terms that have occurred since the last term began, or since the year's
beginning, perhaps in layman's terms as well, rather than a full
document to read, showing no attempt to hide what changes were actually
made? Might something like this be a better way, for any such companies
who care about the peace, security, and happiness of their customers?
Along the same lines, could most such companies provide a sign-up
period of free service, or a low-cost trial, with the customer being
required to read the Layman's Terms Service agreement, 1/3 the length of
the longer Legal document, agreeing to this, and having the term of
temporary service, for example, 3-7 days, to read through the more
extensive Legal document, while enjoying the service, to be in position
to, at the end of the trial, agree to the Legal document already read,
which should be a formality after reading the LT version, and choose to
submit payment for the agreed upon term of service? Granted, this may
not be possible in every case, but some sort of access or benefit may be
possible in most cases. How fine to have an easier-to-read document at
first, to understand the agreement clearly, and begin enjoying the
services, then having more time with which to consider the more official
legal version!
CONCLUSION
WHAT A GIFT!
What a gift for such an arrangement to come about by such companies,
perhaps in cooperation with honest legal teams, willing to cooperate and
uphold God’s standards of fairness, justice, reasonableness, and good
business practices! Many companies in the same industry usually have
their own specific niche or specific rewards and benefits associated
with using their products or services, attracting certain types of
customers, such that companies do not need to have an overly competitive
or dog-eat-dog spirit. God Himself can bless the efforts of each
company willing to do things His way, well motivated to provide good
products or services to fellow humans. Granted, some businesses may
still come and go—such is the nature of a free market system, one
enabling people to explore possibilities and look for solutions to real
problems. But God’s Kingdom is bringing a spirit of unity and harmony
among those honoring Him the likes of which have been rare in human
history. The relatively free market system that was somewhat present in
the days of Israel and that has in many ways blessed the United States,
while allowing for market creativity with a desire to achieve financial
success, is capable of operating more on integrity to good standards and
loyal love for fellow humans than on selfish greed. Proverbs 11 says,
for instance: “3 The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But
the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them.” May many good
things come about by such an arrangement, blessed by God, as He and His
Son lead us toward a time of genuine peace, prosperity, and happiness,
even endlessly!