Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

Do What Is Good

"Do not hold back from those to whom it is owing," admonishes Solomon, "when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." (Proverbs 3:27) Doing good to others involves generously using our resources in their behalf, and this has many facets. But it is not helping others to gain a close relationship with the true God the very best thing we can do for them during this "time of the end"? (Daniel 12:4) These, then, are the days for showing zeal in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. -Matthew 28:19, 20.

The wise king also lists some practices to shun, saying: "Do not say to your fellowman: 'Go, and come back and tomorrow I shall give,' when there is something with you. Do not fabricate against your fellowman anything bad, when he is dwelling in a sense of security with you. Do not quarrel with a man without cause, if he has rendered no bad to you. Do not become envious of the man of violence, nor choose any of his ways." -Proverbs 3:28-31.

Summing up the reason for his counsel, Solomon says: "For the devious person is a detestable thing to Jehovah, but His intimacy is with the upright ones. The curse of Jehovah is on the house of the wicked one, but the abiding place of the righteous ones he blesses. If it has to do with the ridiculers, he himself will deride; but to the meek ones he will show favor. Honor is what the wise ones will come to possess, but the stupid ones are exalting dishonor." -Proverbs 3:32-35.

If we are to enjoy intimacy with Jehovah, we must not fabricate devious and hurtful schemes. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Only if we do what is right in God's eyes will we have his favor and blessing. We may also receive unsought honor when others observe that we act in harmony with divine wisdom. Let us therefore reject the devious ways of this wicked and violent world. Indeed, let us pursue an upright course and cultivate intimacy with Jehovah!

Next time: The Persecutor - Sees A Great Light

Watchtower, 2000