Hello to all, wishing you a beautiful day. Let's start in Proverbs 2. For commentary on the first 6 verses, search "Oct 02". Let's continue with Proverbs 2:7-9.

"7 He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity. 8 He watches over the paths of justice, And he will guard the way of his loyal ones. 9 Then you will understand what is righteous and just and fair, The entire course of what is good."

These verses follow on the heels of instruction to find "the knowledge of God" by seeking understanding and discernment, as well as the healthy fear of displeasing God. Prov 2:6 added that "Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment." Discernment sees the difference between things, such as good from bad, right from wrong, true from false, serious matters of law from lesser ones, though still required. God instructs us in such things, educating and refining our God-given conscience, that we may be guided in the right way from His word.

Prov 2:7 Jehovah gives the upright, who are seeking Him, practical wisdom, to be able to successfully apply knowledge in life, for the loving benefit of others and themselves. Such ones, as we should desire, seek to walk in integrity, seeking to act the right way despite trials or difficulties, prayerfully confident that our faithful God Jehovah "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1Cor 10:13). Yes in this way, Jehovah "is a shield for those walking in integrity."

Prov 2:8 Jehovah "watches over the paths of justice," wanting to safeguard the freedom to serve Him faithfully among right-hearted lawmakers and judges of the earth. It is God's word that should be respected and revered as the touchstone of peace-loving right conduct among mankind. Jehovah will guard His loyal ones, watching over them as they seek to walk with Him, by right conduct, on the path leading to endless life.

Prov 2:9 By seeking to walk with God, and seeking to comprehend the knowledge of God, you may come to understand "the entire course of what is good."

Psalm 43 (book 2, 2nd psalm) shows that even in times of difficulty we may look to God for support. The psalmist pleads at Psal 43:1-3: "Judge me, O God, defend my legal case against a disloyal nation. Rescue me from the man of deception and unrighteousness. For you are my God, my fortress...Send out your light and truth. May these lead me; May they guide me to your holy mountain and to your grand tabernacle." It was foretold in Isai 2:2-4 that "in the final part of the days" the mountain of true worship would be established, and many from all nations would seek to listen and be instructed by God. May we trust God's guidance, and seek to please Him in faithfulness.

In Revelation 2, we find Jesus's letters to the seven congregations begins with Ephesus, then to Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Jesus commends the congregation of Ephesus for several things, but has just one thing against them, offering correction. For those in Smyrna, who are suffering persecution, he has nothing but commendation and encouragement. Pergamum also receives commendation, but Jesus has a few things against them. He encourages all to conquer by rejecting wrong conduct. Thyatira likewise is commended, but is tolerating a bad influence, some getting to know the "deep things of Satan." The others are encouraged to continue steadfast. Let's look at a highlight or two from Jesus's words of encouragement.

Perhaps the most significant lesson of Ephesus was that they had left the love they had at first. Perhaps in some ways they had begun to disobey God, as "the love of God means that we observe His commandments, and yet his commandments are not burdensome." If we begin to feel God's commands are a burden, we may likewise be losing some of our love for God or others. Jesus counseled "Remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first." In such as case, we should recall the time when our love for God was strong, and our former acts of obedience, repent of any failure to maintain such things, make sure we're hating what is bad, any course of disobedience, and loving what is good, as well as our God first, and then our marriage partner and others. For married persons, each should strive to be loyal to God first, and then love each other as one flesh, helping each other be loyal to God first, as one of the primary ways you love one another.

Let's look also at the commendation given the congregation of Pergamum. Jesus says "I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed by your side, where Satan is dwelling." For a true Christian, we must learn to expect at least some persecution in this world while we aim to serve God faithfully. 2Tim 3:12 says "In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." Yet, we can rely on Jehovah in prayer, and encourage one another in spite of any hardship God may allow us individually to experience, keeping our love for God and the prize of eternal life before us, helping us remain faithful. "For the joy that was set before [Jesus] he endured [impalement]." Yes Jesus held on to his hope through all his trials, and so can we.