Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

Hold Fast To Wisdom And Discernment

Next, Solomon emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in cultivating a close relationship with God. He declares: "Happy is the man that has found wisdom, and the man that gets discernment, for having it as gain is better than having silver as gain and having it as produce than gold itself. . . . It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it to be called happy." -Proverbs 3:13-18.

Reminding us of the display of wisdom and discernment in Jehovah's marvelous works of creation, the king states: "Jehovah himself in wisdom founded the earth. He solidly fixed the heavens in discernment. . . .My son, may they not get away from your eyes. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability, and they will prove to be life to your soul and charm to your throat." -Proverbs 3:19-22.

Wisdom and discernment are godly qualities. We need not only to cultivate them but also to hold fast to them by never slacking off in our diligent study of the Scriptures and application of what we learn. "In that case you will walk in security on your way," continues Solomon, "and even your foot will not strike against anything." He adds: "Whenever you lie down you will feel no dread; and you will certainly lie down, and your sleep must be pleasurable." -Proverbs 3:23, 24.

Yes, we can walk in security and sleep with peace of mind as we await the thieflike approach of the day of "sudden destruction" upon Satan's wicked world. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; 1 John 5:19) Even during the imminent great tribulation, we can have this assurance: "You will not need to be afraid of any sudden dreadful thing, nor of the storm upon the wicked ones, because it is coming. For Jehovah himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence, and he will certainly keep your foot against capture." -Proverbs 3:25, 26; Matthew 24:21

Next time: Do What Is Good

Watchtower, 2000