SAT UPDATE (4:01,04 pm) Added to (8B) Come to Consensus Corner (Jan 17-30) the article Proper View of Law, an important matter for all.

FRI UPDATE (9:18,28; 11:28 pm) UPDATED! Please see the update to (8A) Come to Consensus Corner article (Jan 01-16) on the Hardship Step-up plan to organize a point of contact for this plan. This has been UPDATED!

THU UPDATE (8:21,46; 9:04,29,40,44 am) Hello! Now set to work on a CTC article as referenced in the Weekly Golden Apples piece below, regarding potentially tremendous improvement in home fire safety, based on patented work already largely complete! Let's please not go in different directions but submit to good order, God's way, to solve this problem together! I bring this up now to help save lives currently! Also added to Proverbs Commentary PC (3), verses 11-14 of chapter 15. Updated format.

MON UPDATE (9:01 am; 1:53 pm) Hello, wishing you well this day, seeking God's will! Two major corrections to the More Orderly Time article, in (8A) Come to Consensus Corner! One, along with God's name, we have revealed an accurate name of His Son, similar to the Hebrew name many have heard before! This is found in the Month name adjustment for the 7th month, formerly the 9th. That is the other correction, after some name modifications recently, now a readjustment of several month names, for a more logical progression of values and growth! Again URGENT!!! Please consider the 1st through the 12th month names in that article, under (8A) Come to Consensus Corner!!!

FRI UPDATE (12:44 am) URGENT!!! REGARDING THE THU POST, IT IS NOT JUST PRONUNCIATION THAT MATTERS--GOD'S NAME WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO END WITH AN 'H'  BUT RATHER AN 'E"!!! SEE THE (8A) CTC CORNER,  'MORE ORDERLY TIME' ARTICLE, MONTH (2) ETC. FOR THE UPDATE!!!

THU UPDATE (9:20,40 am) Hello, and a warm welcome! I look to continue contributing to a month's first half posts, like CTC Corner, if of importance to do so--I had not concluded the determinations, esp. on month name recommendations. I've added to the first half of the month's (8A) Come to Consensus article on "More Orderly Time" with an explanation you'll want to consider on the second (2) month name change recommendation. It involves a refreshing enlightenment regarding God's shortened name! Now an update, even to God's name!

WED UPDATE (9:04,19 am) Hello, with warm wishes for a fine day! I've added two (5) MLawH pieces with important lessons for us to be reminded of and benefit from. May prayers continue, with hope and trust in God, for even me to be in the proper situation for handling better all that Jehovah has intended for me, of which many of you also hoped in voting for me 2020!

TUE UPDATE (8:16,18,29,33,40 am) Hello, wishing you well, with some more of Proverbs 15 to consider, verses 6-10!

________(1) Weekly Golden Apples

HOME ELECTRICAL FIRE SAFETY:

In addressing an important matter of fire safety last evening, it has been determined that one likely major cause of some house fires is a power strip being plugged in a normal socket, but with another device also plugged into the other outlet in the same wall receptacle. Whenever a power strip is involved, there should be NO other device plugged in to the other wall adapter socket. We already have a long-term correction to this and several other electrical safety concerns. Rather, at least a plain plastic socket protector plug-in should be used in the other socket, informing all to it's purpose and perhaps writing "DO NOT REMOVE" on it or in some other way making the message clear to remind all of this highly important safety matter. I've patented some work to address common electrical house fires in a safe and effective manner, and am now intending a Come to Consensus Corner article outlining this worthy project that may provide work for many--what's involved and how we are poised to benefit! Please check all existing receptacles in your home and others in your care to see if this potentially dangerous condition exists and can be remedied!

________(2) Psalm Select

Psalm 1, LWSV

Blessed (or, Rewarded) is the one who doesn't walk according to ungodly advice,

or stand on the path of wrongdoers,

or sit in the seat of scoffers.

2 but rather, whose enjoyment is found within God's law,

reading and then pondering that law day and night.

3 This one will be like a tree (among many), 

planted by gushing (or, mighty) streams of water,

that produces fruit in season, without a withering leaf--

And whatever this one does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly (or, wrongful) are not the same;

They are like the chaff that, come harvest, gets blown away by the wind.

5 That is why the ungodly (or, wrongful) will not remain standing in time of judgement, 

nor will wrongdoers, itching to sin, remain standing in the assembly of the upright.

6 For Jehovah is aware of the way of the upright,

But the way of the ungodly (or, wrongful) will be winnowed.

Alternatively, verse 6 may be rendered:

6 For Jehovah is aware of the way of the worthy,

But the way of the wrongful will be winnowed.

________(3) Proverbs Commentary

Proverbs 15:

"1 A mild answer turns away rage, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge, But the mouth of the flagrant blurts out foolishness. 3 The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, Watching both the bad and the good. 4 A calm tongue is a tree of life, But twisted speech causes despair. 5 A foolish one disrespects his father’s discipline, But a prudent person accepts correction."

PR 15:1: How wise! When anger flares, a mild, gentle response can defuse the situation, while a painful or harsh response escalates the problem. A person truly having mildness always prefers a gentle approach in their pattern of life, with a calm heart. While such a one might still become irritated about something, especially serious matters, one with self-control can maintain enough calm to think through the problem or see how to cope with it. We should typically care enough about the other person and his or her feelings to avoid speaking harsh or painful words to this one, even if we're irritated about something. The wise quality of shrewdness, or prudence, enables us to look ahead and see the outcome or consequences of our speech or actions, and avert a disastrous course by making a better decision. (Prove 22:3). The qualities of mildness and self-control are part of the fruitage of God's holy spirit, which we can pray for (Galatians 5:22-23).

"2 The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge, But the mouth of the flagrant blurts out foolishness."

PR 15:2: Even the tongue can put knowledge to good use, benefitting others by our encouraging wise words. The flagrant one, morally, may know the right thing but often won't do it, choosing foolishness which is in his heart. "Out of the heart's abundance the mouth speaks." He needs to humble himself before God, accepting His loving correction. Also, it is good for such a person to realize a purpose to our having two ears and only one mouth. How much better and wiser to become a good LISTENER! We have much to learn from others, and shouldn't usually be a constant barrage of words everywhere we go, or there will often be transgression of speech and lack of consideration for others. In the words of James 1:19: "Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger."

"3 The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, Watching both the bad and the good."

PR 15:3: Yes, Jehovah sees both the good and the bad--angels are watching as well. Will we make Jehovah's heart glad by practicing what is good? How wise and loving to please Him! Yes, we are accountable to our Creator--we must answer to Him for what we say and do--and want to live life in a way that honors and appreciates Him.

"4 A calm tongue is a tree of life, But twisted speech causes despair."

PR 15:4: Literally, "a tongue of healing" uses wisdom aright, to refresh others, helping them find and remain on the road to endless life in peace and happiness. Twisted or corrupt speech brings nothing of value. Another proverbs says "the tongue of the wise is a healing..." This reveals how important it is to God that we typically speak in a peaceable, gentle manner, promoting the genuine happiness that God purposes for mankind. James 3:17-18 says "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. 18 Moreover, the fruit of uprightness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace." Thus to obtain genuine uprightness, or adherence to God's right and loving standards, built on faith that leads to eternal life, a peaceful demeanor is necessary, as one desiring to promote true peace with others.

"5 A foolish one disrespects his father’s discipline, But a prudent person accepts correction."

PR 15:5: Once again the foolish one needs to humble himself and listen to God's counsel. The prudent, or foresighted person, looks ahead at the consequences, good or bad, of his decisions and actions, and learns to appreciate the good that can come from accepting advice and correction. Our ultimate heavenly Father, Jehovah, offers us advice leading to genuine security and happiness. As He states in Proverbs 1:23,33 "Respond to my reproof. Then I will pour out my spirit for you; I will make my words known to you...33...the one listening to me will dwell in security And be undisturbed by the dread of calamity.”

"6 In the house of the upright one there is abundant treasure, But the produce of the ungodly one brings him trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But not so the heart of the flagrant one. 8 The sacrifice of the ungodly is detestable to Jehovah, But the prayer of the honest one is a pleasure to Him. 9 Jehovah detests the way of the ungodly one, But he loves the one who pursues uprightness. 10 Discipline seems bad to one forsaking the way, But whoever hates reproof will die."

TREASURES OR TROUBLE. Prove 15:6: The word "house" can refer to the family of a man and woman, as in Prov 14:1, which says "the truly wise woman builds up her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands." The wise woman is not necessarily doing literal carpentry work, but rather, is more often building up her family spiritually. Likewise, the upright one builds up his family spiritually, and this results in abundant spiritual treasures in the lives of family members. They live peaceably, and learn to love one another, and their neighbors. The ungodly one, on the other hand, does not care for the spiritual needs of his family, producing negative traits in others and bringing trouble upon himself. Of course, as one cleanses himself spiritually, with help from God the Father, he may come to receive both spiritual and material treasures.

"7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But not so the heart of the flagrant one."

SHARING THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE. Prove 15:7: The wise one "does good with knowledge," sharing divine truth with others, strengthening them spiritually. The flagrant one, who often will not do the right thing, does not love divine truth, and would prefer most often to speak about himself or foolish things. Having something good to share with others, what a delight to do so! Verse 23 of Proverbs 15 says "A man rejoices in giving the right answer, And a word spoken at the right time—how good it is!" It may certainly be considered a gift from God to be able to share something with someone that may prove helpful in some important way in their life--perhaps even touching their heart to have helped them so. May we all see such things as ultimately coming from our loving God and Father, Jehovah, who "makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God." (Romans 8:28a).

"8 The sacrifice of the ungodly is detestable to Jehovah, But the prayer of the honest one is a pleasure to Him."

MAKING TIME FOR PRAYER, A DIVINE GIFT. Prove 15:8: Jehovah does not value the so-called sacrifices of those pursuing an evil course, who may give up things or give gifts with a selfish or self-serving motive. At the same time, the sincere prayers of honest, right-hearted ones bring Jehovah delight. We can all at some time or another get too busy to speak with God as often as we really should--let's aim that that not be the case, even if it's just a few simple sincere words of thanks or appreciation for a good gift from Him we've happened to stumble upon that day! Just express His name, and your feelings, closing "in Jesus' name." We may come to express ourselves much like the psalmists, who poured out their hearts to Jehovah with sincerity and love for Him! David, for instance, realizes what a grand privilege it is to dwell with the Most High God, Jehovah, as in the opening verse of Psalm 15: "O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain?" May we likewise appreciate our loving God, and do what we can to ever remain in His favor, helping others to do so as well!

"9 Jehovah hates the way of the ungodly one, But he loves the one who pursues uprightness."

GOD LOVES THOSE PURSUING HIS WAY. Prove 15:9: Jehovah does not approve of the self-centered way of one practicing evil, but loves and blesses the one "pursuing uprightness," or seeking adherence to His laws and standards. Such uprightness is the framework of a happy and successful life and family, with eternal life in view. Jesus showed the importance of this, when discussing God's ability to care for our needs. In Matthew 6:33 he concludes: "Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his [God's] uprightness, and all these other things will be added to you." Seeking first the Kingdom often involves making sacrifices in pursuit of the will of God. While this can please Jehovah well, it only does so if we are at the same time practicing what is right--a sacrifice should never take the place of obedience to God. As Samuel once said, "Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice. To pay attention than the fat of rams!" While Jesus and James teach us that Jehovah is "very tender in affection and merciful," still we should never presume upon God's mercy, taking it for granted. Rather, as the second verse of Psalm 15 begins to describe the kind of person who may dwell with the Most High: "The one who is walking faultlessly, Practicing what is right And speaking the truth in his heart." These are among the vital aspects of one "pursuing uprightness," and pleasing the true God, Jehovah.

"10 Discipline seems bad to one forsaking the way, But whoever hates reproof will die."

LOVING DISCIPLINE, CORRECTION TO BE VALUED. Prove 15:10: What an important lesson! The footnote says this could be: "Discipline seems 'severe' to one forsaking the way." Such a person views discipline as harsh, when it should be given with love, seeking to lovingly and patiently guide and correct a person or child. While something may upset us, let's make sure any discipline we offer follows the Scriptural pattern, firm for what's right, but not giving it with anger, rather remaining calm, with understanding, wanting the person or child to see love as the motive behind the correction, as Jesus did with his disciples, using punishment only when necessary, and the motive and lesson(s) are made clear. For the receiver, Hebrews 12:5-6 exhorts: "5...“My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.”

"11 The Grave and the place of destruction are in full view of Jeho'voe. How much more so the hearts of men! 12 The scoffer does not love the one correcting him. He will not consult the wise. 13 A joyful heart makes for a cheerful countenance, But heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The understanding heart seeks knowledge, But the mouth of the flagrant feeds on foolishness."

PR 15:11 How much more Jeho'voe is interested in our hearts--our spirituality, our knowledge and personality along with our affections, desires, and goals, the way we deal with others, and our relationships with friends and loved ones. Jehovoe wants our hearts to be stirred by His great love for us, to love Him and others in return. We are reminded here that He is fully aware of those who have lost their life in this system, especially in an unjust way, and He longs to restore them to life in His new world of peace and uprightness! Regarding this time and God's yearning or "longing" to restore life, Job says at Job 14:15, "You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands."

"12 The scoffer does not love the one correcting him. He will not consult the wise."

PR 15:12 The scoffer disregards God's law, and truth which eminates from the "God of truth," Jeho'voe. John 3:20 says "For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved." Such a one typically fault-finding cannot be truly happy, viewing negatively many beautiful things from God. May they see the evidence of God's love in creation, and be moved to repent of such a critical spirit, finding joy in life's gifts and loving, peaceable dealings with one another. By Scriptures such as this one, many may perhaps see the error of their way and come to appreciate loving correction from others before it leads to more unhappy consequences.

"13 A joyful heart makes for a cheerful countenance, But heartache crushes the spirit."

PR 15:13 Hopefully, we can maintain a joyful heart, appreciating spiritual things and God's love for us, having many reasons to love God and others as ourselves, following what Jesus called the two greatest commandments of the Mosaic Law. (Matt 22:37-39). If we must face heartache, however, may we rely on God, whom David says "will not reject" a heart "broken and crushed," and whom Paul called "the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others..." (Psalm 51:17; 2Cori 1:3-4) JOY itself is among the fruits of God's spirit, so we may pray for more of it, as He tends to give His spirit to those asking Him, and to those "obeying Him as ruler." (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32).

"14 The understanding heart seeks knowledge, But the mouth of the flagrant feeds on foolishness."

PR 15:14 Understanding enables us to see how all the pieces fit together of something, to make the whole. When we have a heart of understanding, we are wise to seek an understanding of divine knowledge, to know well the course of spirituality, as well as knowledge of things that enrich our lives, enhancing our ability to grow and to know and love others more. The morally foolish have little interest in such things, often ignoring what they know to be right. They feed on foolish things rather than spiritual truths, or truly beneficial knowledge. This is not in harmony with the spirit of true godlove, which 1Corinthians 13:6 says "does not rejoice over ungodliness, but rejoices with the truth."