Humility Softens The Heart

Humility is a vital factor in having a prepared heart because it makes us teachable and helps us to accept more readily loving counsel and correction. Consider the fine example of King Josiah. During his reign a document containing God's Law given through Moses was found. When Josiah heard the words of the Law and realized how far his forefathers had strayed from pure worship, he ripped his garments apart and wept before Jehovah. Why did God's Word so deeply touch the king's heart? The account says that his heart was "soft," so that he humbled himself upon hearing Jehovah's words. Jehovah noted Josiah's humble, receptive heart and blessed him accordingly. - 2 Kings 22:11, 18-20.

Humility enabled Jesus' "unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped those who were "wise and intellectual" but only "in a fleshly way." (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 1:26) The latter were not prepared to accept Jehovah's word because their hearts were hardened by pride. Is it any wonder that Jehovah hates pride.-Proverbs 8:13; Daniel 5:20.

Next time: Honesty And Godly Fear

Awake! 2000