"SAFEGUARD YOUR HEART"

Still using the analogy of a path, Solomon declares:  "But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the days is firmly established." (Proverbs 4:18) Undertaking a study of the Bible and try to apply what it says in life can be likened to starting out on a journey in the early morning darkness. As the blackness of the night sky lightens to dark blue, we can hardly see anything. But as the dawn gradually breaks, we slowly distinguish more and  more of our surroundings. Finally, the sun shines brightly and we see everything in clear detail. Yes, the truth gradually becomes clearer to us as we persist in studying the Scriptures patiently and diligently. Supplying the heart with spiritual  nourishment is essential if we use it to safeguard it against false reasoning.

The meaning or significance of Bible prophecies also unfolds  progressively . Prophecies become clear to us as Jehovah's holy spirit shed light upon them and as they are fulfilled by world events or in the experiences of God's people. Rather than impatiently  resorting to speculations about their fulfillment, we need to wait for "the light to become lighter and lighter.

What about those who reject God's guidance by refusing to walk in the light?  "The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom," says Solomon.  "They have not known what stumbles at what they keep stumbling." (Proverbs 4:19) The wicked are like a man who stumbles  in the dark without knowing what stumbled him. Even when  the ungodly seems to prosper because of their unrighteousness, their apparent success is only temporary. Concerning such ones, the psalmist sang:  "Surely on slippery ground is where you place them. You [Jehovah] have made them fall to ruins." -Psalm 73:18.

Next time: "SAFEGUARD YOUR HEART" -Maintain Vigilance

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000