"A Town Is Exalted"

Further contrasting the effect of the upright and the wicked on a community, Solomon states: " Because of the blessing of the upright ones a town is exalted, but because of the mouth of the wicked ones it gets torn down." Proverbs 11:11

Townspeople who follow an upright course promote peace and well-being and build up others in the community. Thus, a town is exalted-it prospers. Those who speak slanderous, hurtful, and wrong things cause unrest, unhappiness, disunity and trouble. This is particularly so if these individuals are in a position of influence. Such a town suffers disorder, corruption and moral and perhaps economic deterioration.

The principle stated at Proverbs 11:11 applies with equal force to Jehovah's people as they associate with one another in their townlike congregations. A congregation in which spiritual people-upright ones led by their integrity-have influence is an assembly of happy, active, and helpful people, bring honor to God. Jehovah blesses the congregation, and it prospers spiritually. Here and there, the few who may be disgruntled and dissatisfied, who find fault and speak bitterly about the ways things are done, are like a "poisonous root" that can spread and poison others who initially were unaffected. (Hebrews 12:15) Such ones often want more authority and prominence. They stir up rumors that there is injustice, ethnic prejudice or the like, in the congregation or on the part of the elders. Their mouth, indeed, can cause a division in the congregation. Should we not turn a deaf ear to their talk and strive too be spiritual people who contribute to peace and unity in the congregation?

Continuing, Solomon says: " The one in want of heart has despised his own fellowman, but the man of broad discernment is one that keeps silent. The one walking about as a slanderer is uncovering confidential talk, but the one faithful in spirit is covering over a matter." Proverbs 11:12, 13. What great harm is cause by someone who lacks good judgment, or is "in want of heart!" He carries on his loose talk to the point of slander or reviling. The appointed elders must be quick to put an end to such an unwholesome influence. Unlike "the one in what of heart, a man of discernment knows when to keep silent. Rather than betray a confidence, he covers over the matter. Know that an unguarded tongue can cause much harm, a discerning person is "faithful in spirit." He is loyal to fellow believers and does not divulge confidential matters that might endanger them. what a blessing such integrity-keepers are to the congregation!

To help us walk in the way of the blameless ones, Jehovah provides an abundant supply of spiritual food prepared under the direction of " the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) We also receive much personal assistance through Christian elders in our townlike congregations. (Ephesians 4:11-13) We are indeed grateful for these, for "when there is no skillful direction, the people fall: but there is salvation in the multitude of counselors." (Proverbs 11:14) Come what may, let us be firmly determined to 'walk in our integrity.' - Psalm 26:1.