Hello, with a warm welcome! Let's stay safe and considerate of others this day, especially in this challenging time. Let's continue in Proverbs 14, this time verses 19-24. Then let's look at the Ninth Commandment on Bearing False Testimony. Next is today's TWGA, and then the weekly CTC Corner.
"19 Bad people will have to bow down before the good, And the
wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated
even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person. 21
The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to
the lowly is happy. 22 Will not those who plot mischief go astray? But
those intent on doing good will receive loyal love and faithfulness.23
There is benefit in every kind of hard work, But mere talk leads to
want. 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth; But the foolishness of
the stupid is only foolishness."
Prove 14:19 Practicers of bad or
wickedness must one day acknowledge their path is not leading to the
happiness they imagined it would, but rather, is leading to death. They
must bow in respect of the good, or righteous ones. If their
acknowledgement humbles them, they may repent of their error, and in
God's mercy, find the path of life and the true happiness they were
missing.
"20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person."
Prove 14:20 Let's look at this from a spiritual standpoint: Spiritually
wealthy ones are learning right, loving, peaceable ways and often do
gain many friends, whereas those spiritually destitute may not have
many. Once again, may we reach out to such ones, if they might respond
to receiving loving, spiritual assistance, to look to God and His word
for the wisdom and counsel needed (Prove 2:1-6; 3:5-8; James 1:5). Psalm
34:18 says of God, "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves
those who are crushed in spirit." In imitation of our God, may we
willingly aim to help those in need, as the upright woman of Proverbs 31
"extends her palm to the lowly one, And she opens her hands to the
poor." (Prove 31:20)
"21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy."
Prove
14:21 The poor man of the previous verse really should not normally be
"despised." May our compassion overcome any tendency to hate or despise
others, which would be sinning. Thus we may maintain true happiness, as
hatred of others does little to contribute to this. Rather, loving and
even praying "for those who persecute you," as Jesus instructed in his
Sermon on the Mount, may prove to have a good effect on others, as well
as ourselves. (Matth 5:44). May we realize that even those practicing
bad are often desperately in spiritual need, and who will be there to
lovingly help them? If we cannot do it ourselves, can we at least, with
godly insight, overlook an offense, and compassionately pray for them to
receive needed help? (Prove 19:11). This is not to say that serious
violations should merely be overlooked or brushed aside. Such conduct
usually needs to be brought to the attention of those authorized to
provide assistance in some way, such as one who claims to be a "brother"
but engages in serious immoral conduct (1Cori 5:11-13). Nevertheless,
such ones have been known to repent, ask forgiveness, and mend their
ways, paving the way for extended mercy. (1Cori 6:9-11). Serious, but
lesser sins may be addressed by following the counsel of Matthew
18:15-17. Minor sins, however, may be a different story. Colossians
3:13,14 says this: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving
one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against
another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same.
14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a
perfect bond of union." May God reward the love you show!
"22 Will not those who plot mischief go astray? But those intent on doing good will receive loyal love and faithfulness."
Prove
14:22 The rewards are many for those "intent on doing good," rather
than plotting mischief! Psalm 18:25 says of God, "With someone loyal you
act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly." Thus,
such ones receive of God's loyal love and faithfulness, as may be
expressed by others. Recall that God "makes all his works cooperate
together for the good of those who love God." (Roman 8:28). May we
rejoice to receive of God's blessings for pursuing a righteous course
before Him! On the other hand, how unkind and failing to consider the consequences, imprudent, of those planning to violate right conduct or even harm others! May we NEVER give thought to how we might deliberately ignore God's counsel and pursue a wayward course, but rather, hope in God's blessing and favor, the rewards of righteousness, as we most certainly CAN learn and hold to God's standards and find prosperity and happiness in doing so!
"23 There is benefit in every kind of hard work, But mere talk leads to want."
Prove
14:23 While planning is beneficial, is it not the "hard work" that's
needed to receive the benefits, actually accomplishing what we've set
out to do? Merely talking, without appreciation for the effort necessary
for success, brings little benefit. In harmony with this, praising
others for their head knowledge, rather than for efforts to use their
knowledge for the benefit of others, causes laziness. As ones gain knowledge of beneficial skills, that may for instance contribute to their ability to earn a living, why should they not put that knowledge to work, and practice those skills to benefit others and themselves if it is reasonable to do so? How much wiser and better to put good and beneficial knowledge to use as soon as it applies to us to do so!
"24 The crown of the wise is their wealth; But the foolishness of the stupid is only foolishness."
Prove
14:24 Truly wise ones become successful in life, bringing wealth upon
themselves and others. This wealth is primarily spiritual, placing
emphasis on one's relationship with God and the blessings of eternal
life. However, the skills gained by true wisdom may often bring a
measure of material wealth as well, with God's blessing. Still, such
ones are typically content with the necessities of life, remaining
humbly reliant upon God. Foolish ones do not apply knowledge skillfully
for the benefit of others--if at all, usually only selfishly for their
own benefit. Any material wealth a foolish one may gain is not
accompanied by spiritual wealth, and may even be spent in foolishness,
lacking God's blessing. May we willingly continue growing in true
wisdom, seeking to apply divine knowledge for the everlasting welfare of
ourselves and others, cultivating true love for God and our neighbor.
_______
TEN COMMANDMENTS
Let’s now consider Exodus 20:16: “16 “You must not testify falsely when you are a witness against your fellow man.”
TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
Should this command be taken lightly? It comes just after the command
not the steal. Would someone think it’s okay to rob a bank? Clearly,
then, this matter should be taken seriously—we should not bear false
testimony, whether or not the one we are testifying against is truly
guilty or innocent. We must remember that this is the living word of God
we are talking about. He takes this matter seriously Himself, and can
back it up! If our
testimony helps bring justice to one committing a serious crime, depending on the situation where we live, we may speak with authorities about how best to protect ourselves from any spite from such a person. Of course,
we hope the wrongdoer would mean no further harm. Still, in considering the matter, we should certainly go to Jehovah in prayer for His guidance and protection. As Jesus at times said: “Your faith has saved
you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50). In certain lands or areas, however, some may genuinely fear for their lives to oppose a powerful authority that refuses to uphold justice. Pray to God for the right words in such as case, as God's word wisely reveals "A live dog is better off than a dead lion." (Eccle 9:4). If there is enough of a presence of true justice, then we should genuinely trust in God,
praying fervently about the matter, often and sincerely, considering any
steps we might take or help we might receive to protect ourselves, and
leave the outcome in God's hands. (Matth 7:7-11). Notice, for instance,
Psalm 46:1 says “46 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.” Ultimately, the consequences of such decisions do rest with each individual, and we must each answer to God for what we do, but as we hold to God's laws, we are preparing our hearts for life in His coming new world of righteousness, free of the evil which became so prevalent at times, in various places, in this world. Psalm 37:1-6,10-11 says: "Do not be upset because of evil men Or envious of wrongdoers. 2 They will quickly wither like grass And shrivel like green new grass. Trust in Jehovah and do what is good; Reside in the earth, and act with faithfulness. 4 Find exquisite delight in Jehovah,And he will grant you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to Jehovah; Rely on him, and he will act in your behalf. 6 He will make your righteousness shine like daybreak, And your justice like the midday sun...10 Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there. 11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace."Notice also Proverbs 18:10,
saying: “10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous
one runs and receives protection.” Therefore, to receive of God's
powerful assistance, we should use God's personal name JEHOVAH in our prayers to Him, rather than mere titles such as "LORD" or "GOD."
RECEIVING GOD'S HELP.
But it should be acknowledged, that while Jehovah’s name is so powerful,
it is still more than just a superstitious good-luck charm. If we want
to look to Jehovah for protection, we should also accept His advice and
guidance. We should recognize that His ways are the ways of eternal
happiness—ours and everyone else’s. Notice it is “the righteous one”
that runs into the “strong tower” of Jehovah’s name and “receives
protection.” Would not one standing up for truth and the side of what is
right by refusing to lie under oath, or to bear false testimony, have
Jehovah’s smile of approval? Still, why not REASONABLY continue to seek
to live by God’s other standards, looking to the ransom sacrifice of
Jesus Christ to cover past sins in God’s abundant mercy, seeking God’s
forgiveness and turning from any evil course of serious sin? What
blessings are in store for those choosing God’s way of life!
TREASURING GOD'S WORD.
God’s word records such sentiments as in Proverbs 2:20-22: “20 So follow
the way of good people And stay on the paths of the righteous, 21 For
only the upright will reside in the earth, And the blameless will remain
in it. 22 As for the wicked, they will be cut off from the earth, And
the treacherous will be torn away from it.” What will help us heed such
counsel? Jesus stated at Matthew 4:4 “It is written: ‘Man must live, not
on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.’”
Psalm 1:1-3 likewise encourages us: “1 Happy is the man who does not
walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the
path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. 2 But his
delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone
day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A
tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not
wither. And everything he does will succeed.” May we find happiness and
success by loving God’s word of truth, and letting it’s words sink deep
into our hearts by pondering upon them, considering why they’re so
beneficial and how we can apply them to our life—a course leading to
everlasting life!
_______
THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES
IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE.
Aging adults are in the news currently, with regard to assistance needed to help the many care facilities supporting such ones, and the places they call "HOME." Sadly, some such places have been devastated by coronavirus, still working hard to protect the living, while others may also get by--many may yet require assistance to ensure the staff have needed supplies and other support for handling the situation. Certainly, such homes in our various communities should receive of our support in some way or another. Just finding ways to let the staff know we appreciate their hard work in seeking to protect our loved ones may go a long way to support these miniature communities. Of course, the seniors themselves also need and appreciate our support. And many sadly no longer have much family supporting them. Perhaps a senior in such a facility may know of perhaps just one other who is lonely or in most need of more support--could a phone number be obtained and a call made, just to express concern for a dear older one? Is this one in need of something simple that we may be able to provide? If everyone who had one loved one in such a facility reached out to just one additional person in the same facility, or even two, perhaps having no family support, might not many more thrive to receive precious human contact? Perhaps this is something we may consider, even if such contact was limited to an occasional supportive phone call, with modest efforts to assist in some way that we may be able. It could really be the case that if many followed through on contacting two others, nearly every person in such a facility could receive contact, many who hardly ever receive a phone call!Perhaps one man and one woman could be chosen.Here is another article that I may print here. While keeping in mind it was not necessarily written for our COVID-19 time, the principles may be beneficial, such as by saying "Hello" over the phone or tablet, rather than in person.
SHARING IS CARING: 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP AREA SENIORS
( NewsUSA
)
– The number of older adults in our society is growing rapidly. Today,
for the first time in history, there are more people over age 60 than
under age five. As this population expands, so does the need for support,
with some 40 percent of middle-class Americans at risk of poverty in
retirement. Yet, today, only 1 percent of charitable dollars go to
efforts that support seniors. It’s time for that to change. There are
organizations in every community that provide services to meet basic
needs for older adults. And while donations and volunteer hours are
always appreciated, caring for older adults in the community can come in
many forms. In fact, simple acts of caring can make a big difference in
the lives of seniors. Here are five simple ways to help older adults in
your community:
1. Start with hello – Introduce yourself to a senior in
your neighborhood or community. A simple conversation can spark a
lifetime of friendship.
2. Get out and care – Join Ready to Care, an
initiative by Home Instead Senior Care, and sign up to receive weekly
care missions.
3. Give to senior-focused organizations – There are plenty
of opportunities to give to a senior-focused non-profit. Find one that
sparks your interest by visiting give65 .org/25years
4. Get educated – Learn about issues affecting older adults and caregivers at caregiverstress .com
5.
Share your story – Share how caring for a senior impacted your life
with family and friends. Encouraging others to take action can create a
world of change.Join Home Instead Senior Care as it marks 25 years of
caring for older adults. Why not give your time, learn how you can help,
and begin serving seniors in your community today?
_______
COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER
Week 10: ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: PROPER VIEW OF LAW
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night.”
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely.”
Jeremiah 31:33 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares Jehovah. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”
NEED FOR LAW.
The need for some code of law became apparent with time in man’s history. Before the advent of such laws, humans, closer to the perfection originally present in our first parents, Adam and Eve, generally lived by their consciences. Likely, discussions of right and wrong actions were among the conversations our first parents had with their children. It was possibly even before a law code existed that Joseph fled from having an adulterous affair with his Egyptian owner’s wife, saying “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” In the oral history handed down, he knew God had brought the first man and woman together in marriage, and at this, God’s word says: “That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24). Thus respect for the covenant of marriage was engendered early on, especially among God-fearing persons.
AN EARLY CODE.
One early law code was the code of Hammurabi. This was before the time of Moses. Hammurabi’s code laid down some 282 laws, having been written upon stone pillars within the kingdom of Babylon, so everyone would know the law. Hammurabi is known as the sixth king of Babylon, and is believed to have ruled between 1792 BCE and 1750 BCE. Hammurabi evidently did not write these laws, but brought together and organized existing laws. It became the standard of judgment throughout his empire. Of course, there were some similarities and differences when comparing his law to that of God’s law through Moses. Both codes stated, for instance, that kidnapping a child would bring the death penalty.*
WHY SEVERE PENALTIES?
Why do such laws of man and even God, even today, have severe punishments associated with certain wrong actions? If everyone is aware of the law code, and know how severe the penalty would be for a specific harmful, criminal act, this should serve as a powerful deterrent from engaging in such conduct, thus enabling a peaceful existence to be maintained in society. Just as violating a law of physics, such as gravity, you know could mean your death, so serious moral laws should never be violated either. God reveals at 2Peter 3:9 that He “...is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” Thus, He wants everyone to understand and respect His laws, which promote genuine peace and happiness among society. Hammurabi’s code even included death for robbery, while God’s law through Moses generally only required returning the item stolen, if possible, and added compensation, totaling up to four or even seven times the amount, depending on what it was. Thus, God’s law was more reasonable in this case, while the penalty still serves to deter the crime. Also, God’s law promoted fairness and equality, whereas Hammurabi’s law considered a crime less serious if it was committed by one with higher social status. More than a crime against man, God’s law made it clear that crimes such as robbery were also being committed against God—who loves His human creation, and wants the peace and happiness of all. They thus were sins against God, requiring forgiveness by Him.
OTHER PURPOSES OF LAW.
We’ve seen that laws can be set as a deterrent from bad actions. But laws can also promote and accentuate good practices and standards. It can be used to set certain payments for government, legal and business services, for instance. It can outline fair practices between entities, whether governmental, commercial, or personal. It can outline a path to help various peoples overcome some disappointing or failing circumstances, to regain their peace, security, prosperity, freedom and/or happiness after some disaster or unfortunate occurrence(s). Laws can thus be used for much good, and contribute to the above-mentioned conditions that human hearts long to experience and maintain. And contrary to the notion that laws are only restrictive, in truth law can even protect various freedoms that promote such happiness among humanity. God’s word reveals that “where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom!” (2Cori 3:17). And James speaks of God’s law as a “perfect law that belongs to freedom.” He writes: “But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.” (James 1:25). Thus, God’s law can promote wise and good conduct, and help those who adhere to it act with greater wisdom, and find greater happiness. Psalm 19:7-8 says: “7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. 8 The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine [“enlightening the eyes”, AMP].” Therefore, God’s commands support truth and true worship in a way that enables obedient ones to find wisdom and joy, to see more clearly where they are on the path of life, and where they are going.
WHAT OF THE RANSOM?
Therefore, the ransom of Christ, while a merciful gift of God, does not do away with law, but rather establishes it. It is having faith, or deep trust, in that merciful provision for forgiveness that enables ones to gradually grow to greater adherence to the law of God. With a deep faith in God and His word and law, we are moved to respond to God’s love by loving Him in return. And 1John 5:3 explains: “3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” Thus by such faith in God’s love, seeing God’s law as a way to know how to love Him in return, true righteousness is made possible, even a complete obedience of the heart of a person. This was not always understood. Some Jews felt that their own circumcision of the flesh itself gave them divine favor. Romans 3:23-24, 29-31 says: “23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus...29 Or is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of people of the nations? Yes, also of people of the nations. 30 Since God is one, he will declare circumcised people righteous as a result of faith and uncircumcised people righteous by means of their faith. 31 Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we uphold law.” Likewise, for true Christians, baptism itself is not an automatic sign of divine favor, but it is a “request made to God for a good conscience.” (1Peter 3:21). Holding a good conscience, that is eagerly trained by God’s word, with an obedient and loyal heart, brings divine approval, not as something we earn, but as a free gift, by God’s kindness, through the ransom of Christ.
CONCLUSION
FAITH IN GOD AND HIS LAW.
Jesus when on earth taught many principles of divine truth, that aid one to understand God and His ways better, so as to WANT to live by them. Christ’s teachings help us to address our loyalty and faithfulness to God in a heartfelt way, becoming obedient from the heart to God’s standards and laws, promoting true peace, righteousness, and happiness. May we therefore come to delight in the law of God, as others throughout history, and look forward to God’s favored blessings and rewards. This requires faith, or deep trust, in Him, as explained at Hebrews 11:6: “6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” God’s Kingdom will thus help people to comprehend God’s law in a way that they can understand and live by it, seeing it’s wisdom and value in their life.
Perhaps books will be published, with the aim of addressing a certain aspect or topic of God’s law, revealing insight into how it functions to contribute to earth-wide or even universal peace, security, prosperity, freedom, and happiness. They can be written with warmth and understanding, in “plain English” so-to-speak, in a way that may bring delight and satisfaction. May we continue learning of God’s perfect law, that we may live by it, respecting His law and His Son’s teachings, thus honoring our loving God and Father, Jehovah, as the rightful Sovereign of the Universe.
* WORLD HISTORY for Christian Schools, 1984 ed. pp. 24-25