"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 whop 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 way 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 to be spiritual people who contribute to peace and unity in the congregation?

Next time: Conclusion of the above subject

Watchtower, 2002