Prove 14:10 This is why it may not always be correct to say "I know what you're going through", but maybe "I kind-of know what you're going through." It is primarily Jehovah God who can know every nuance of the many factors in causing one to feel bitter, or even joyful. Still, we want to be as compassionate as we can, with the right motive, a pure heart, desiring to be an extension of God's comfort and hand in helping them overcome grief, bitterness, or to share their joy. The Scriptures tell us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." (Roma 12:15).

"11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish."

Prove 14:11 Those choosing a way of badness may seem to prosper for a time, at least materially, as they perhaps make Riches their god. But it is the upright ones who will truly flourish, generally content with the essentials of life, but "rich in fine works," perhaps not even owning their own home in the current system of things. Under God's kingdom, however, "they will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full." (Isaiah 65:21-22). Therefore, choosing to be an "upright" person has the favor and blessing of Jehovah God Himself. Psalm 127:1 says this: "Unless Jehovah builds the house, It is in vain that its builders work hard on it. Unless Jehovah guards the city, It is in vain that the guard stays awake." Let Jehovah "build the house," by choosing to walk in His ways--upholding His standards of what is true, right, good, and just, or fair.

"12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death."

Prove 14:12 The Scriptures say to "make sure of the more important things," and "do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of [Jehovah], and he will make your paths straight." (Phili 1:10; Prove 3:5b-6) We need God's word to guide our steps in life. While it is commendable to listen to our conscience, it really needs to be trained by God's word and a love for truth, for it to be a more reliable guide in life, in harmony with true wisdom. For example, it might "seem right" to a person to choose to lust after someone's spouse, or marital partner, perhaps trying to convince themselves that it is in the name of "true love" that they're doing so.Granted, there is serious sin that may allow for divorce, but part of the confusion may be the relaxed laws seemingly allowing for divorce on most "any sort of grounds."--that is not God's view. That person might imagine that the spouse is not treating the other as well as they should, or as well as that one thinks he or she might be able to. But is that a reason to interfere with the work of God, who likely brought the two of them together, with a holy vow to love one another? The two marital partners in this case have likely forged a bond over time, a bond that most likely should not be broken. If God blessed the marriage to last, then it brought these two together as "one flesh...So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together, let no man put apart.” (Matth 19:5b-6). Who knows or decides whether God really brought them together in marriage, other than God Himself? Let God remain "the Judge of all the earth"--including the Judge as to what is truly right and wrong for His human creation. (Genes 18:25; Psalm 67:4). If you've considered acting in such ways in the past, work on cultivating God's loyal love, that seeks to protect or safeguard such relationships, and look to God to help you forge and safeguard your own precious relationships as well.

Let’s consider Exodus 20:14: “You must not commit adultery.”

MURDERING RELATIONSHIPS, STEALING HEARTS. Being the Seventh Commandment, coming after the serious commandment against murder, this violation is just as detrimental, affecting more than just one person. The one initiating the adultery may have slandered one's spouse, seeking to destroy their relationship--how unloving! This also comes just before the commandment against stealing, and what leads up to committing adultery may be just that—a stealing of the heart of another person from their marriage partner. In some way the unfaithful mate has likely been persuaded to develop affection for someone other than his or her marriage mate. Jehovah God had words to say to the priests of Israel in Malachi’s day, regarding serious violations of His word and law, including concerning marriage. Notice His disgust, recorded at Malachi 2:13-16:

“13 “And there is another thing that you do, which results in covering the altar of Jehovah with tears and with weeping and sighing, so that he no longer pays attention to your gift offering or looks favorably on anything from your hand. 14 And you say, ‘For what reason?’ It is because Jehovah has acted as a witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously, although she is your partner and your wife by covenant. 15 But there was one who did not do it, for he had what remained of the spirit. And what was that one seeking? The offspring of God. So guard yourselves respecting your spirit, and do not deal treacherously with the wife of your youth. 16 For I hate divorce,” says Jehovah the God of Israel, “and the one who covers his garment with violence,” says Jehovah of armies. “And guard yourselves respecting your spirit, and you must not deal treacherously.”

TREACHERY. Dealing treacherously with one’s wife would certainly include the serious sin of adultery, which was even punishable by death according to the Mosaic Law, unless mercy was extended. Kings David sadly committed this sin, and while forgiven, this caused him many troubles in his household for years afterward. His treachery against a faithful man is recorded in God’s word.

Proverbs 6 also shows the seriousness of adultery, in verses 32-35. Notice how God’s word addresses the matter here, looking at some consequences:

“32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy makes a husband furious; He will show no compassion when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; He will not be appeased, no matter how large you make the gift.”

Only God and Christ can ultimately forgive and help one recover from such a sin. (Psalm 103:9; Matth 9:6-7).

FAITHFULNESS. The arrangement of marriage should be honored and highly respected by all. (Hebre 13:4). God's word speaks of those with "eyes full of adultery." (2Peter 2:14). The world is still full of single, marriageable people--there is no reason to cross the line of lusting after someone else's spouse! This is one of the list of sins that God's word reveals can bar willing participants from eternal life in God's new world! (1Cori 6:9-11). If such a person claims to have love for another, would they engage that one in a practice that threatens that one's eternal happiness? Is that true love??? Proverbs 20:6 says this: "Many men proclaim their loyal love, But who can find a faithful man?" It is faithfulness to God that makes one's love genuine, true. The very next verse says this: "The righteous one is walking in his integrity. Happy are his children who come after him." Jesus thus stated, at Matthew 5:27-29: "“You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·henʹna (symbol of eternal destruction)." May we never ignore the consequences of such a selfish, disloyal practice as adultery!

News this day includes the loss of some 20.5 million U.S. jobs in April, and a 14.7% unemployment rate. Is there anything that could be done to stem to tide and get some otherwise unemployed persons back to work?

CREATIVITY, OUTSIDE THE BOX. An interesting look at history reveals how some companies got creative under such challenging circumstances, and managed to survive hard times. One such example, albeit containing some good and some not-so-good history, was the plight of beer producers during the Prohibition years, a time when the drinking of alcohol products was completely banned in the U.S. Some 1,300 such companies existed when the ban began in 1920, and amazingly, some 100 managed to survive until over a decade later, in 1933, when the ban was finally lifted. A look at history reveals some interesting ideas that were pursued, including automotive creations and alternative beverage products. You might enjoy researching some of this history, looking for the lawful means some of these companies used to remain afloat. But the point is:

Could some companies today, in cooperation with state and local governments, be allowed or be able to find ways to venture outside of their usual means of maintenance, and possibly be able to support much of their working staff in other creative ways?

Could partnerships be forged, even temporarily, with companies that may have parallel interests, some of which are prospering at this time, in ways that may prove to be a win-win situation for both, and enable more individuals to get by, even with less pay than normal?

In this age of the internet, and modern technology, surely some ideas could be pursued that may prove to be beneficial for companies and many of their employees, some of whom have worked faithfully for many years, and others who are extremely talented in various ways.

It is hoped that the rules and regulations in place in the various states might allow for such exploration on the part of companies, and not hem them in to only what they have been doing in the past. The same may go for efforts to begin home businesses for those currently out-of-work. Perhaps such states could re-examine their laws and see whether any consideration might be given to easing some restrictions in this critical time in our history.

While the earth may undergo change in this challenging time, may we continue to look to God, and hold to His right standards, trusting His hand of support in whatever difficulties or hardships that must be endured, and whatever blessings that may yet come our way, as we look forward to His promised new world of true peace, righteousness and happiness.

Psalm 46:1-4 says this: "God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress. 2 That is why we will not fear, though the earth undergoes change, Though the mountains topple into the depths of the sea, 3 Though its waters roar and foam over, Though the mountains rock on account of its turbulence. (Selah) 4 There is a river the streams of which make the city of God rejoice, The holy grand tabernacle of the Most High."

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!