Hello, with a warm welcome, wishing you well this day, with caution and consideration. Let's conclude Proverbs 15, with verses 26-33, then consider another selection from the Mosaic Law, today's TWGA, and this week's CTC Corner.

"26 Jehovah detests the schemes of the wicked one, But pleasant sayings are pure to Him. 27 The one making dishonest profit brings trouble on his own household, But the one hating bribes will keep living. 28 The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, But the mouth of the wicked blurts out bad things. 29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Bright eyes make the heart rejoice; A good report invigorates the bones. 31 The one who listens to life-giving reproof Is at home among the wise. 32 Anyone refusing discipline despises his life, But whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of Jehovah is a training in wisdom, And before glory there is humility."

HATE EVIL SCHEMES AS GOD DOES! Prove 15:26 The "wicked" one spends time plotting evil schemes out of selfishness, greed, or jealousy, for instance. Proverbs 24:8 says "Anyone who plots evil will be called a master schemer." How much better to spend time pondering pleasant and wise sayings! Such sayings are "pure" to Jehovah God, and if from Him, "refined" and entirely good. Proverbs 30:5 says "Every saying of God is refined." By pondering what is good and upright, ones may develop heart appreciation for goodness, and learn to hate and turn away from what is bad, or evil.

"27 The one making dishonest profit brings trouble on his own household, But the one hating bribes will keep living."

MAKE A LIVING CONTRIBUTING TO GOD'S PURPOSE. Prove 15:27 Jehovah rewards and blesses the righteous, not those making "dishonest profit." Lacking God's blessing, and encouraging greed among even family members, such ones open themselves up for trouble on their own household, for instance, by jealous trouble-makers, wanting their "piece of the pie." Life may even be involved, as the contrasting statement says that the one hating unjust bribes "will keep living." We should therefore seek God's blessing on our life by making an honest living, seeking our means of maintenance in ways that are in harmony with God's laws and standards of truth, justice, and righteousness. Proverbs 10:22 says "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it." And Psalm 127:1 says, in part, "Unless Jehovah builds the house, It is in vain that its builders work hard on it..." Also, the importance of living and acting in accord with God's standards, in whatever we do, is emphasized by one of the first Proverbs beginning in chapter 10. Proverbs 10:2 says "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, But righteousness is what rescues from death." Therefore, choose to find your treasures the right way, in accord with God's laws and standards, giving you heartfelt reason to rejoice over your contributions to a peaceful, happy, and prosperous new world."

"28 The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, But the mouth of the wicked blurts out bad things."

MAKE IT A HABIT TO THINK HOW TO ANSWER. Prove 15:28 Perhaps the lesson of this verse is summed up by the saying "Think before you speak." The righteous ponder before answering someone, as they wish to say the right thing, in the right way, in a way their specific audience may comprehend and benefit from. The wicked, on the other hand, may often have no such concerns, rather 'blurting out' what is bad. Such ones are usually prideful, being 'wise in their own eyes,' perhaps believing their every idea is great, worthy of speech. (Prove 3:7). Proverbs 18:2 says "A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding; He would rather disclose what is in his heart." Such ones should learn to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19).

"29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous."

SEEK CLOSENESS TO GOD. Prove 15:29 If such wicked ones do not repent, Jehovah is "far away" from them, but in contrast hears the intimate prayer of the righteous. Who should not want to be close to the Grand Creator of the Universe? (Eccle 12:1). What a privilege! The wicked instead have no appreciation for this privilege, choosing to be "close" to other selfish evil ones. May they investigate reasons to appreciate the Giver of Life and every breath, Jehovah, and ponder His tremendous love and mercy, that they may come to have more heart appreciation for Him, and be moved to respond obediently to His loving correction and counsel. Psalm 103:2-5 says, for instance, to those determined to obey Him with integrity: "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." (See all of Psalm 103).

"30 Bright eyes make the heart rejoice; A good report invigorates the bones."

SEEK THE LIGHT OF TRUTH. Prove 15:30 Bright, or "enlightened" eyes, receiving light of truth from God, brings rejoicing to the heart. Psalm 97:11 says "Light has flashed up for the righteous And rejoicing for those upright in heart." Of course, it is responding in action to the enlightenment we receive from God that brings true rejoicing, and upright ones will typically respond to beneficial knowledge with faithfulness, holding to God's standards. As 1Corinthians 13:6 says, Loyal Love "rejoices with the truth." Thus a good report also "invigorates the bones," refreshing our spiritual core.

"31 The one who listens to life-giving reproof Is at home among the wise. 32 Anyone refusing discipline despises his life, But whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding."

TREASURE "LIFE-GIVING REPROOF." Prove 15:31-32 Proverbs 12:15 says "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice." May we aim to appreciate advice, even strong, but loving, discipline from others. Such correction is often given with much considerate forethought, even prayer. We need such discipline to remain squarely on the path of eternal life. Strong correction should add to our understanding of life, aiding us to continue walking in the fear of Jehovah, hating what is bad. (Prove 8:13). However, such discipline must be given in love to be truly beneficial, after the example of Jesus' loving treatment of his "disciples." To refuse such correction would reveal a lack of appreciation for one's hopes of eternal life, as Proverbs 6:23 says "...the reproofs of discipline are the way to life."

"33 The fear of Jehovah is a training in wisdom, And before glory there is humility."

HUMBLY SEEK TO PLEASE GOD. Prove 15:33 The healthy fear of displeasing God is shown to be the "beginning" of both divine knowledge and wisdom. (Prove 1:7; 9:10). Thus, this should be taught at a young age, helping youths to grasp the qualities of both understanding and discernment (Prove 2:1-5). Humility must also be treasured among genuine servants of God, truly considering others as superior to us, valuing their gifts and knowledge that we may benefit from.

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MOSAIC LAW

MOSAIC LAW SELECTIONS

JUDGES TO DEAL IMPARTIALLY. Verse 7 Accordingly, such judges should often be able to see through a “false accusation.” Such ones were not to waste time with such, which may perhaps serve to accomplish the aims of those encouraging such a thing. Also, trust in God was to be maintained in that, regardless of it’s resulting perceptions to the public, one truly innocent or righteous in the judgment was not to be unfairly condemned, for God “will not declare the wicked one righteous.” Judges were clearly to deal impartially, with fairness and true justice, and trust God to bless the outcome of holding to truth and righteousness, in accord with His Law. How fine for Israel to have had the Law of Jehovah God to judge by! And was not Jesus likewise a fine impartial judge, whose teachings and ways, such as found in his Sermon on the Mount, are recognized to be superior among humans? He fulfilled scores of prophecies, never violating God’s law to Israel, proving himself a worthy judge of mankind, having God’s blessing. And Jesus himself said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Thus, appreciating Jesus’ role in God’s purpose involves the life and happiness of all humans! Certainly many have benefitted greatly from true Christian principles and standards! As Deuteronomy 32:4 says of Jehovah: “4 The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he.” How happy a people can be when true justice can prevail in their lives, when wrongdoers can truly repent of their evil, and truly innocent ones can be proven innocent, and exonerated. Who would not want God’s influence, at least among His people, on such judgments? Eventually, ones will not be permitted to cause "any harm." How? "They will not cause any harm Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea." Divine knowledge, wisdom, and true love of God and neighbor will make such possible (Matth 22:37-39). Lies and other harmful practices will no longer hold mankind hostage. May we look forward to the rulership of God’s kingdom in the hands of Christ, to at last fully restore true righteousness and justice to the new world of God’s making! (2Peter 3:13).

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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)

Proverbs 11:9b-10a "By knowledge the righteous are rescued. 10 The goodness of the righteous makes a city rejoice."

Matthew 7:12 "“All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean."

TRUE SUCCESS? With the reopening of the economy, cases of COVID-19 are once again on the increase. While this was expected somewhat, could anything be done to limit any negative repercussions? While it was hoped that the summer months might bring some relief of the virus spread, this benefit might primarily be experienced out-of-doors, or in indoor situations where heat and humidity are not further aggravating efforts to limit exposure to the virus. Recall an earlier post regarding the cautions against reopening indoor gyms, where exercise and heavy breathing only could exacerbate the problem, igniting the spread of this respiratory illness. While some manufacturing plants or factories may have been in operation in the springtime, and had only moderate virus contamination, could matters be getting worse as warmer days come, and busy workers are tending to get hotter during the day, possibly breathing more heavily as they attempt to maintain a pace of work that was less of an issue just a few months earlier? How wise and loving for such business operations to step back and re-examine each of their operations, to see if anything can be done to allow each to take place in harmony with the precautions we've been given over the last several months. If workers are having trouble keeping up with the pace of the equipment, in a warm or hot and humid environment conducive to viral spread, how fine for those in oversight of operations to look for any possible ways to reduce problem areas! Could the equipment pace be reduced? Could ventilation be improved, windows opened, air flow increased, or air-conditioning installed? Could UV lighting be installed to help reduce virus exposure? Giving added thought to working conditions and job satisfaction on the part of valued employees could contribute much to the success of a business, as the economy is improved going forward. Could there even be cases where operations in a certain area should be halted until measures are put in place to correct an unhealthy situation? Remember, as Proverbs 10:22 says, "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich ,And He adds no pain with it." And why shouldn't workers themselves be free to express themselves as to how their individual situation might be improved to safeguard their own health and limit their exposure? They may have given much thought to an effective solution! May those in oversight have open ears, applying compassion and reasonableness to see what may be done to improve the situation! (James 1:19; Colossians 3:12,14) It may be, that with certain measures taken now, a business just might be able to continue in operation with limited viral spread, until a vaccine can become available! (Proverbs 22:3) In other businesses with ventilation systems, and in some other applications, perhaps installing UV lighting in accord with patented methods and instructions may also reduce viral spread and allow more to return to work, even if for limited activity, when possible.

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Week 12: ISSUE BY ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD'S KINGDOM: UNIQUELY IDENTIFYING PEOPLE AND THEIR PERSONAL DEVICES, UNIVERSALLY

Isaiah 40:26,28 “Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out their army by number; He calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power, Not one of them is missing...Do you not know? Have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, is a God for all eternity. He never tires out or grows weary. His understanding is unsearchable."

Isaiah 45:18 "For this is what Jehovah says, The Creator of the heavens, the true God, The One who formed the earth, its Maker who firmly established it, Who did not create it simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited: “I am Jehovah, and there is no one else."

Isaiah 42:5 "This is what the true God, Jehovah, says, The Creator of the heavens and the Grand One who stretched them out,The One who spread out the earth and its produce,The One who gives breath to the people on it And spirit to those who walk on it:"

A UNIVERSAL DATABASE? What if God wanted us to design a database to hold a person's identity in the UNIVERSE, regardless of which planet they were born on? Could this data fit efficiently into a 64-bit computer code? And then, could the person's devices be stored, by their QR codes, into a system that would allow them secure ownership of these devices, and ability to be uniquely contacted if need be? Here's how it could be done:

INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION. Then, how could individuals from each continent be identified? We currently have a two-letter designation for each country on the planet, numbering near 250. The United States is "us", for instance. If every person received, not their own country code, but four random country codes, even with just the 250 or so current codes, some 3.96 Billion people could be uniquely identified by these four codes, in order, for each "continent." Could you recall four countries or country designations in the world, in order, that would uniquely indentify you, on the continent on which you were born? Thus, with just the current codes, although more can be added to this system, nearly 28 billion people could be identified. However, the system, allowing for two letters and 6 additional characters, numbers for instance, could create many more combinations to easily accomodate any additional people necessary, for instance in the resurrection. If all the letter combinations were used for instance, to add additional codes to more populous nations, some 676 different "country codes" would be possible, allowing for many more billions of people per "continent." Thus the system is able to expand and handle any number of people, even on much larger planets!
OTHER MATTERS. Still, what about designating an individual as male or female, for instance, upon their birth? The final country code could be used for such identification. It was determined that the odd letters, in the second half of the code, A, C, E, etc. could be for a male, and the even letters, B, D, F, etc. could be for female. This would only be in the last of the four otherwise random country codes. Devices would be coded among the family as belonging to them, with each member of the family being able to have up to 5 devices associated with them personally and any additional devices could be associated with the family home of a man and his wife--up to some 39 devices--this would include any computers, tablets, etc. beyond what they may each "have" personally. Of course, any "home" device could still be used by one particular member of the family if desired. To keep all these devices straight, just to differentiate them from one another in the home, it was determined that name initials could be used. This may be a valuable designation. For instance, several devices owned by you may allow for voice commands. While they may only recognize your voice, how might you designate which device you are intending to instruct? How could you prevent three different devices from awkwardly attempting to follow your instruction at the same time? This is just one way in which a device designation may prove useful. A device might be designated MJC1-3, meaning the 3rd device personally owned by the first male whose name begins with J, designated JC1. Likewise, WSC2-5, could mean the fifth device belonging to the 2nd female whose name begins with S. Then, HC03, would simply mean the home device numbered 03. There are ways, then, that these family members with the same initials could be coded, again using the last country code designation. Of course, having this device numbered designation, it is possible also to then give the device a name, which can be used for easier communication. As for other details, all of this is described in a patented system.

SECURITY, FAITH, LOVE, PEACE. Thus, there is a way in an efficient computer-based system to allow every individual to be designated, and have personal devices associated with them in a way that those device belong to him or her and no other. Flash memory can be used to install a person's individual code into a newly purchased device, and the device may thus also be recognized in Multi-Factor Authentication methods to ensure you are the person logging on to an internet website, for instance, using your own personal device. This arrangement has many advantages, then, that we've just begun to consider. The purpose is SECURITY in a world governed by God's Kingdom, in which every member of His government is one of integrity, after the model of God's firtsborn son. Thus, it is a government built on FAITH, or DEEP TRUST, and LOVE, God's chief and most eminent quality. May we look forward to the PEACE, prosperity and happiness made possible by God's Kingdom, and be supportive of arrangements that make possible the lasting peace and security of each individual in the universe of God's making!