WGA & WM

WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES, 

ON SPEED AGAIN. Another crucial aspect of the issue of travelling speed arises on two-way roads already with limits around 55 mph. Accidents occurring with traffic oncoming can seriously amplify the risk of tragedy to all those involved, for much the same reasons as described earlier. On larger highways the speed reduction will allow for fewer accidents causing spinouts and multiple vehicle collisions. On other roadways, the full limit of 55.999/56 may be permissable with a clear road ahead, but must be reduced as oncoming traffic is in view, to a reasonable limit of 45.999/46 gradually, but with at least a light tap/hold on the brake pedal to alert any rear driver(s) to your intentions. As soon as the oncoming traffic has passed, the full speed limit under proper road conditions may be resumed. Also, if you're sure that a vehicle in front of you has a non-working brake light, I recommend a special horn tap to alert the driver, so that it may be resolved as soon as possible. It may be that a brief switch to hazard lights can fairly serve as an alternative until brake lights are repaired. The horn tap I recommend is an initial alerting tap that is heard, followed by two shorter/lesser taps. Then, two short taps in response by the front driver may indicate an understood thank-you by himr. Also, the addition of proven deer-whistles on the front/bumper of vehicles may also reduce threats of serious animal collisions. By implementing these changes, thousands of lives per year will be saved. Once again, by receiving reports of dropping numbers of traffic collisions and especially deaths, might not all be encouraged to allow that extra time for safe and happy travels, perhaps making increased use of travel time for good conversations and/or careful sources of listening enjoyment or instruction? With proper care, safe travel times need not hamper our lifestyle, but rather spare ourselves and others needless grief and sorrow.

In the News...

PRISON & PUNISHMENT. When is it not "in the news?" We're talking about people going to jail, or prison. How sad when people, once children, now usually adult, succumb to wrong desire or in some other way violate significant laws and face the prospect of an unpleasant future, to some extent "behind bars." How do we view such ones? Some would have us view them all as a "lost cause," as if they could never be trusted to love again and seek no harm to another. What a sad view, motivated by fear of harm. But we needn't view them this way, as Jehovoe God has the power to transform! Actually, what about that word, PRISON? When that term started to be used, I'm fairly certain it was not intended to be pronounced PRIZ'UN. Rather, how does a parent feel about their beloved child doing something wrong and having to go to this place...for punishment and help? THere is another term, I believe at the time the word prison came into being, that could rhyme with the new word and offer a different perspective--that rhyming word is bison. What's the significance of saying the word prison as PRI'SON, or short for PRIZED SON? Is this not the way we should be viewing such ones, and how they should view themselves perhaps, hopefully not as a lost cause but as a real loved human being that lost hisr way perhaps for a short time and needs at least some help to get back on track and return to a healthy, happy life that s/he may well have been living, or hoped to live, at one time prior. And that word punishment--what really is a PUN? Could it be that this word also got unfavorably rebooted and ended up booting others into jail cells without the real help that the word was originially inspired to offer?

WHAT COULD HELP? What could help to rehabilitate such ones, enabling them to fully repent, return to society with increased education and right desire to keep the law, even to help others to do so? And what could help us to trust that God can oversee such things and such ones, so as not to worry over a return to the bad conduct that troubled them in the first place? Most likely, they've come to detest the conduct that took them away from freedom, and resulted in a less than desirable life for possibly a long period of time. But what if that life needn't be so debilitating, but rather, educational, even rewarding, to improve their lives, giving them a renewed spirit of hope and uprightness, seeking the good of others, perhaps as they felt in their younger days, before things turned sour? And does it really need to be for so long a time, if genuine goodness within can be restored to such ones? This should be or become the subject of a CTC CORNER policy--I have one on the lines of LAW from last year I may reprint soon.

Psalm 139:16 "Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed."

Psalm 127:1a,3 "Unless Jehovoe builds the house, It is in vain that its builders work hard on it...Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovoe; The fruit of the womb is a reward."

ABORTION OR...? With the topic of Abortion in the news recently, how fine to reflect upon some of the reasons this became an issue in the first place. Some have been looking for an alternative to prevention, not wishing for the child at this time in their life. The effects of some pharmaceutical drugs, chemicals from cigarettes and even some food products, etc. have had undesirable effects on fertility. This, along with other behaviors may have interfered with God's assistance on conception. God desires to bless couples, and assist their timing of a child and it's gender, but He also has permitted their free will to influence such things. Also, many good women have not had access to the health care and nutritious foods that others have had, and thus have been concerned about the health and normalcy of the resulting child, and at times, the health of the mother through the pregnancy. If conception has occurred, however, in God's eyes this child is a life, which should be considered sacred, just as King David reflected upon his own conception, when no one had any idea who or what he would become! (Psalm 139:13-16). A woman who has been considering abortion should have access to views of the unborn and be reassured of her respect for life as she chooses to protect it.

MIRACLE OF BIRTH. The miracle of birth should underscore God's right to guide our lives, and a child should be considered just as much God's as our own, to be raised with respect to God's law and with His love. If, however, a woman has conceived, and is not wishing to be responsible for raising the child upon it's birth, can she not still be encouraged to give up the child for adoption, and have genuine assistance for her pregnancy, including exceptional nourishment, so as to have the best opportunity to remain healthy herself, and deliver a healthy child in a healthy way? She may still be able to be aware, from time to time, on the child's progress, as most children will prove grateful for their life and wish at some point, to get to know the biological parents who protected him or her during pregnancy. Below is a list of proven delicious and nourishing foods, meals, or snacks that can assist a healthy pregnancy and could be possibly considered by various food banks as worthy foods to provide for an expecting mother. Such a pregnancy and birth should be so enlightening and rewarding to a young woman.

Spir-Vanilla Malted Milkshake, Milk with 1/2 tsp of Spirulina powder & nonfat dry milk powder and Natural vanilla ice cream and sugar/sweetened Dairy Creamer to taste.

Sweet works Oatmeal, Oatmeal fixed as on package of Quaker oats, with unsalted butter, raw honey, brown sugar, half and half, walnuts and/or pecans, almonds, raisins or craisins, and perhaps maple syrup.

Fruit smoothies, with 1 Tsp-1 TB Flax oil

Sliced Apples and Bananas and/or banana bread

Raw Almonds - 5 or more each day

Salads with walnuts and pumpkin or sunflower seeds, with craisins and good dressing, such as Ranch or Catalina. Add whole grain breads, muffins, etc. with unsalted butter and wholesome jams.

Healthy eggs prepared as desired, with shells washed/treated as if for Salmonella.

Healthy meats and other foods may also contribute much to a healthy pregnancy. This is just a supportive list--consult your doctor for your specific needs nutritionally through the terms of your pregnancy.

Pink Himalayan Salt is different from regular salt and may be highly nutritious (still in moderation) for one with child. Ocean sea salt is preferable to ordinary table salt, although could be combined in cases of iodine deficiency.

ELECTION TRUTH OF 2020. Have you ever nearly finished a puzzle, maybe a picturesque scene, only to find one important piece is missing? You begin a search for the missing piece, do you not? This is quite the case with the Presidential election of 2020. Not only was there another qualified candidate, one that had become an Independent candidate, qualified to receive votes by mail-in voting and qualified to be on the General election ballot, alongside Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but this one did indeed receive a significant number of votes, enough to change the outcome of the Presidential Election. Therefore, the reason for all those election fraud lawsuits was indeed not just Donald Trump trying to finagle a few more votes to declare victory--the number of cases actually reached One Million--the limit imposed by law, under the presumption that if such a number was reached, there would be legitimate reason to investigate further into the entire election, to look more carefully at the election process and results, to determine whether any decisions were made that could prevent the true outcome from being realized. Due to interference, I had to run my campaign largely out of the spotlight, but was lawful, and public via my website, findlifeandsee.com, nonetheless. Recently, former Vice President Mike Pence spoke publicly, before reporters, and speaking in the context of Donald Trump's claim that he could have overturned the election results (of course, to his own favor), Mike made this statement: "Under the Constitution, I had no right to change the outcome of our election..." I believe this statement was made for two reasons. One, his intentions were to be fair, and not win the presidency for Donald Trump underhandedly. But secondly, I know that a decision was indeed made by someone, to give away my election votes--most likely between the two frontrunner candidates. A decidedly large number of votes did come in at the tail end of the election counting, as mail-in votes were tabulated, without any mention of my name, running as Joshua M. Campbell-Elanemy--having become an Independent candidate qualified to be elected by the people, under God, as President of the United States.

Weekly Golden Apples

One House-fire Solution! An issue has come to light regarding those power-strips, making possible the connecting of several components to a single household electrical outlet. The issue is a serious one, involving electrical fire risk.

A typical home electrical outlet, which is sometimes called a receptacle, is in all actuality a duplex, which most realize that two receptacles are usually provided at each wall outlet. Indications are increasing that a power strip, not so much by it's individual design, but rather by it's very function, actually draws on nearly all the power of the entire outlet from the single receptacle plug. The point is this: Strange electrical things can take place when both a power strip and a lamp or other device of some sort are plugged into the same outlet together, potentially leading to a possible electrical fire catastrophe. 

Therefore, when a power strip is in use, there should be no other device plugged in to the other receptacle in that same outlet--instead, any other device should be among those plugged into the power strip itself--the outlet in this case should be solely and entirely for supporting the power strip only. A dummy plug or child-safe plug should be placed in the other receptacle with a clear notice or message NOT TO BE REMOVED as long as the power strip is associated to that outlet.

A careful check should be performed in every home to determine whether an unsafe condition now exists, so as to correct any such condition. All of us doing so, and alerting loved ones, friends, and neighbors to this potentially hazardous condition, may dramatically reduce the tearful number of house-fires nationwide and abroad. Ref. 03-210

Weekly Golden Apples

An Illustrious Name of God. Something wondrous has come to light. Many know that the personal name of Almighty God appears as the Tetragrammaton in the oldest manuscripts comprising the Bible. This name has largely been left out of Bible translations for centuries. Aside from mere superstition, we may now have a much larger reason as to why! Allow me to explain: The early copyists of the original Hebrew writings used consonants, leaving out the vowels. The true pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton became hidden, and largely replaced with the vowel marks of the term "Adonai" or LORD in later times. The name "Jehovah" came into common use in English, but now it has been found that an ending adjustment is all that's needed to solidify the true meaning of God's name as "He Who Causes to Become." The true ending is "oe" rather than "ah." Thus the true name of the Creator is JEHOVOE. Likewise, the short form, rather than "Jah" is really J-O-E, "Joe"--with a meaning: "God Increases." We cannot ignore these facts. Investigation into the writing of God's name in centuries past, on churches and elsewhere reveals some use of this form! With greater understanding and respect of Bible truth, even amid the establishment of God's Kingdom, now is perhaps a fitting time for this to become uncovered and well known. Ref. 03-220.

Weekly Golden Apples

Free Will and Divine Intervention. Many have heard these terms, but the Bible helps us fit these and related concepts together as we contemplate God's loving purpose for mankind. First, did God design us to be robots, or people with freedom, like Him, to learn and make good choices in life, warming the hearts of one another? The Bible clearly states that "God is love," and as such wants us to love as He does. Thus we are not fated to fail or succeed--rather He instructs us to acquire knowledge and learn to tell true from false, good from bad, etc. and to choose accordingly. This ability to distinguish is called "discernment," but might be called "difftell," to tell the difference, for some to comprehend and benefit from this important aspect of wisdom. 

However, what about things that sometimes happen in the world around us that appear to have been caused by God? At times, for instance, He seems to have protected someone's life miraculously, from tragedy. The Bible offers examples of God's intervention at times, but shows He doesn't always choose to do so. The ones saved often had prayed to God for His help.* Thus we shouldn't assume that everything that happens in life is God's will--God doesn't purpose that people drive drunk or cause traffic deaths. There are other reasons for these things. Thus we should use knowledge to make decisions, rather than 'look for omens,' or signs from God in everyday events, as though God uses these to make decisions for us.

One confusion in English has to do with the question "Why?" Sometimes we are looking for a reason, and other times we want to know a purpose, for an action perhaps. You may have been late for a reason, but likely not for a purpose by God--He teaches us punctuality, after all. In this respect, the terms "reason" and "purpose" have different meanings. Thus the saying that "everything happens for a reason" is commonly misapplied--not everything happens is God's will--still we can investigate the reasons and make better decisions in the future. With God's word we can better "difftell" between right and wrong! Ref. 03-221.

* God's word does, however, encourage all to pray to God daily for His help. While God may still help such ones, those refusing to do so thus may be risking loss of God's assistance or blessing on their activities.

Upcoming

Win-it Minute episodes, to find on Spotify.com

Mon, Apr 04-Sat, Apr 09

Ref. 02.300-02.305

R02.300 Jesus' Path--Clean & Wise

R02.301 By God, A Satisfying Life

R02.302 Proverbial Assistance

R02.303 Overcoming Harm from Within

R02.304 Summary--Safeguard from Defilement

R02.305 Treasure Wise & Beneficial Activities

PSALM SELECT (15)

This psalm can speak for itself. Mentioned in one of the PS119 Stanza 7B Commentaries, I've included it here.

"14 From the fruitage of his speech a man is satisfied with good, And the work of his hands will reward him."

PR12:14 Continuing with the speech of an upright one, his speech rewards him with good things, for instance commendation approved by God for his efforts to build up others, and 'rescue them with knowledge.' (Prove 11:9). Also "the work of his hands" rewards him, perhaps also with commendation. It is such efforts for which young ones should be commended, however not for simply having knowledge of something--rather, for using that knowledge skillfully to assist others in some kind or beneficial way. One study showed that young ones commended for their knowledge logically were not motivated to work for others, but became lazy and potentially prideful. Those commended for their efforts instead showed more diligence in their activity. May we be generous with kind commendation to encourage our youth in the practice of good toward others.

"15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice."

PR12:15 The foolish one tends to be prideful, arrogant, and believing in his own ideas perhaps more than even God's. He is often moved by such arrogance to act without foresighted prudence, not seeing ahead at the troubles caused by making mistakes. Not humbly willing to acknowledge his own error, he may continue on a path leading to trouble, or turmoil. To help, we should all seek wisdom rather than foolishness, be or become truly honest, and admit we could make mistakes, but learning from them. It is far better, however, to avoid mistakes and their consequences. Still, Psalm 130:3 says about Jehovoe: "If errors were what you watch, O Joe, Then who, O Jehovoe, could stand?" The wise one is humble, eager to listen to others, and willing to accept advice. This helps him to 'ponder each step,' being more careful what he believes and how he proceeds to act in life. (Prove 14:15). 

"16 A fool immediately shows his annoyance, But the prudent man overlooks an insult."

PR12:16 Further underscoring the lack of prudence in a foolish one, he quickly reveals his annoyance, lacking self-control, not really listening and considering other opinions, and without giving thought to how it may impact others, being insensitive to their feelings. The foresighted prudent one, however, "overlooks an insult," with empathetic insight to readily forgive others for occasional slights. God sets the example as one who is "good and ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5). Such mercy allows a conversation to carry on toward its intended purpose, rather than needlessly being interrupted. How fine when a conversation permits a considerate exchange of ideas, when ones are able to restate in their own words an idea that was just heard from another,  and be free to state an honest response to it, continuing where appropriate.

"19 Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for only a moment."

PR12:19 God just doesn't lie, and doesn't want us to either. Of course, in harmony with God's word, there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," meaning we don't have to tell everybody everything. (Eccle 3:7). Not everyone has a right to hear the truth, or all the facts, especially if they will do harm with the knowledge. We may thus keep silent or change the subject in such a situation, as Jesus did so to carry out the will of God when with Pilate (John 19:9-11). Still, Jehovah hates a lie, Proverbs 6:16-19 detailing 7 things Jehovoe hates, among them a "lying tongue" and a "false witness who lies with every breath." Even a lifetime of such lying, 70-100 years or so, is "only a moment" when compared to the millions upon millions of years Jehovoe wants humanity to enjoy in truthful living forever. So let us put our trust in God that we may be honest and open with those deserving of the truth, including God himself in our honest prayers.

Proverbs 13:

"24 Whoever holds back his rod is loving his son less, But the one who loves him [more] disciplines him diligently."

Prove 13:24 Again it is clear that discipline is associated with genuine love, but how so? We must remember that the word does not simply mean “punishment,” but rather comes from the same root as “disciple.” Still, some may have wondered about the teaching here. Looking at this more carefully scripturally, there is evidence that the term "discipline" should be associated with "loving correction." This proverb and Hebrews 12:5-11 share this view of discipline, saying in Hebrews 12:5-6, "“My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovoe, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovoe loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” While it is true that Jesus did not go around punishing his disciples all day long, but lovingly taught, trained, and corrected them, there is another term that deals more with the loving teaching and training from parents and teachers. Ephesians 6:4 says "And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovoe." The term "admonition" here has reference to loving "instruction, guidance." Therefore, Jesus' disciples were not merely disciplined after they had done something wrong, but admonished throughout the day by receiving loving instruction and guidance to serve God properly. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 shows Jehovoe commanded the parents to have God’s words on their own hearts, and then to “7...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, not only when receiving “time-out” for doing something wrong). Parents, please make sure you make time for your young ones to lovingly answer their questions according to their age and development, and to assist in teaching them what they need to know, helping develop their powers of discernment and understanding (Prove 2:1-6). Proverbs 10:1 says “A wise son makes his father rejoice...” So help them develop godly wisdom to be able to make good, right decisions each day, and reap many blessings for time well spent! Also, be ready to offer usually gentle correction in a loving way, whenever it is needed!

"25 The upright one eats and satisfies his appetite, But the stomach of the ungodly is empty.”

Prove 13:25 The upright one, wanting to act in harmony with God’s standards, feeds himself, not only literal food, but as Jesus declared, as stated at Matthew 4:4, that “...It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovoe’s mouth.” Thus he or she reasonably considers things such as found at Philippians 4:8, including “whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are upright, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy.” Paul adds, “continue considering these things.” Again, we need reasonableness when we consider these guidelines for what we learn from and are entertained by. Whatever things are “true,” for instance, doesn’t mean we can’t watch a creative made-up story. This list is evidently meant for topics to be considered at congregation meetings for Bible study. But how fine when the lessons from such a story have real meaning in harmony with what is truly right and good! When we take care of what we feed our minds and hearts, especially spiritual things based on God’s reliable word, we ‘satisfy our appetite.’ Those not caring about such things often go hungry. At Isaiah 55:2 God says: “2 Why do you keep paying out money for what is not bread, And why spend your earnings for what brings no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, And you will find great delight in what is truly rich.”

"5 A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness lies with every breath."

PR14:5: 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." Learning to be honest with ourselves and others is a vital step to become true, a person of integrity or compection. This last term has roots in the words pact and compassion, pact being an agreement. This term carries the sense of feeling for others while at the same time holding firmly and encouraging adherence to God's word and law, with a view to never violating it--instead, finding the answers and encouraging desires for what is within God's law that is better and superior to whatever one may have thought they needed outside of, or without it. I had coined the term on a podcast last year as a term related to heartfelt integrity, and as an understandable term for what God is expecting all of us to become that is attainable and sustainable forever!

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

PR14:11 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," and thriving, even if some have not yet been able to live where they've wanted. Under God's kingdom, however, the people of God "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 (slaving for another people, as in the past system), 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 Jehovoe God Himself. Psalm 127:1 says this: "Unless Jehovoe builds the house, It is in vain that its builders work hard on it." Let Jehovoe "build the house," by choosing to walk in His ways--upholding His standards of what is true, right, good, and just, or fair.

Proverbs 15:

"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. PR 15:27 Jehovoe rewards and blesses the upright, 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 uprightness. Proverbs 10:22 says "It is the blessing of Jehovoe that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it." And Psalm 127:1 says, in part, "Unless Jehovoe 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 ungodliness will be of no benefit, But uprightness 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.

Proverbs 16:

"3 Commit to Jehovoe whatever you do, And your plans will succeed."

SUCCESSFULLY AIMING FOR THE RIGHT TARGET. Prove 16:3: As we plan our lives with Jehovoe's help in prayer, we can look to Him for success in our activities. Jehovoe cares about our ideas and plans and wants to bless our efforts as we keep seeking first His Kingdom and uprightness (MaTth 6:33). This is a promise that God would supply our needs--such as food and clothing--if we would do this. But why not just seeking first "the Kingdom"--largely involving sacrifices we make in service to God, supporting Kingdom interests? Why also "His uprightness?" This involves keeping our integrity to God, seeking obedience to Him, not just to share our hope with others, but in all aspects of Christianity. Obedience to God is actually more important than any sacrifice we may offer. Such genuine obedience makes our clean sacrifices acceptable to God. Of course, God is not now requiring perfection, but He expects us to keep aiming for the target! We may occasionally miss, and God's grace and Christ's ransom can cover those misses. But we keep aiming right, accepting God's help to recover from a miss. Thus the definition of "sin"--missing the mark. Studying God's word, pondering to apply it--to live it--we may come surprisingly close to the obedient example Jesus set! This is true of anointed co-rulers with Christ, as well as "the whole world." As the apostle John wrote, at 1John 2:1-2 "I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, an upright one. 2 And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s."

Proverbs 17:

"15 Anyone acquitting the ungodly one and anyone condemning the upright one—Both of these things are detestable to Jehovoe."

GOD'S VIEW OF JUSTICE. PR17:15 How seriously does God take justice? Deuteronomy 32:4 says of Jehovoe: "4The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Upright and honest is he." Jehovoe hates injustice, and the practice of bad, while loving people, typically even wrongdoers, hoping for their repentance. Injustice, esp. if commonplace, threatens the foundations of society. In this verse we find how God feels about someone releasing an evil person from proper judgement, as though he were innocent, and another causing an upright one to be unjustly punished. At Isaiah 5:20,23 God says: "Woe to those who say that good is bad and bad is good, those who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, those who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!...Those who acquit the ungodly for a bribe and who deny justice to the upright!" May we seek understanding of God's uprightness, that we may hate what is bad and love what is good, in harmony with godly wisdom. God would thus say, as at Proverbs 27:11: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me." Our stand on the side of truth, justice and uprightness brings God great pleasure. May we also be pleased when someone turns from an ungodly course to promote true justice in the eyes of our loving God!

"17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress."

TRUE FRIENDSHIP. PR17:17 In contrast to one having "no heart," the true friend of Proverbs 17:17 has a true, deep, loyal love, eager to assist one experiencing "times of distress." Rather than fleeing those experiencing difficulty, he rather is made for helping such ones. Jehovoe sets the example for this, saying of Himself, at Isaiah 57:15b: "“I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed." May we strive for true love in our life, taking steps to obtain godly wisdom which true love acts in harmony with, making it possible for our desire to love others to be wisely directed, to do what is truly in others' best and lasting welfare.

"23 An ungodly man will take a bribe in secret To pervert the course of justice."

REJECT CORRUPTION, LOOK TO GOD. PR17:23 Notice that such bribe-taking is practiced by the "ungodly." We are not talking about lawful fees for services rendered. Rather, impartial, fair justice is not being practiced. People in positions of authority are wanting, or being coerced into accepting money to perform some favor for someone with the money, often to get around a rule, law, requirements, or "red tape" to get what they want as soon as possible. This discourages fair-minded respect for law, contributing to a disobedient, rebellious spirit among others. There is no need for this! Yes, we still have to put up with imperfection and be patient, showing understanding when things don't always go our way in this current system of things. But we can look forward to God's kingdom setting all matters right, and bringing the true peace and harmony that God intended for mankind. Even now, if there is too much "red tape" involved in a process, those in authority should take a look at simplification, to save precious time for those involved. For instance, how might information already obtained about someone be used to reduce the amount of paperwork necessary to get something done? Some states, for instance, have honed good procedures for accomplishing necessary tasks of their citizens, that other states or even the Federal government might perhaps benefit from. The same principles can be applied perhaps within the family or home. Look for ways to simplify necessary work, that so much time may not be spent needlessly. Still, may we show patience when it simply cannot be avoided.

“26 To punish the worthy one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right."

LONG-TERM REWARDS! PR17:26 People should come to see that pursuing worthiness leads to blessings even now! Surely blessings will come in God’s new world, under His Kingdom rule, where “uprightness is to dwell” (2Pete 3:13). But we want as many as possible especially now to appreciate the rewards that come from following a right path. Punishment and flogging are meant as disciplinary correction—surely to be intended for unworthy and dishonorable ones, yet still out of love, for their long-term welfare. If those in authority at all care about the eternal lasting welfare of their citizens, then may they honor right-hearted ones pursuing the will of Jehovoe whole-souled!