Do You "Safeguard Practical Wisdom"?

HOW CAN I GET IT?

First, note Micah 6:9 says:  "Those with practical wisdom will fear [God's] name."  Fearing God's name implies respecting him. It means having wholesome reverence for what his name represents, including his standards.  To respect someone, you need to  know how he thinks.  Then you can put your trust in him and learn from him, imitating his successes. If we are concerned about the long-term effects our actions will have on our relationship with Jehovah and if we base our decisions on his standards, then we are gaining practical wisdom.

Second, Proverbs 18:1 says: "Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom."  If we are not careful,  we could detach ourselves from Jehovah and his people. To avoid isolation, we need to spend time with others who fear God's name and respect his standards.  We need to be at the Kingdom Hall in person if all possible, associating regularly with the Christian congregation. While at the meetings, we need to open our minds and hearts and allow what is said to touch us.  

Adding to this, if we pour out our hearts to Jehovah in prayer, we will draw closer to him.  (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  When we open our minds and our hears as we read the Bible and literature provided by Jehovah's organization, we get a glimpse of the long-term result of our actions and can act accordingly.  We also need to open our hearts to counsel given by mature brothers.  (Proverbs 19:20) Then, instead of 'rejecting all practical wisdom,' we will be strengthening this important quality. 

Next time: Do You "Safeguard Practical Wisdom"?/HOW WILL IT HELP MY FAMILY?

From the Watchtower magazine