"If You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them" - "BE QUICK TO LISTEN"

Another area that reveals the depth of our humility is our willingness to hear people out.  James 1:19 says that we should be "quick to listen." Jehovah himself sets the superlative example in this regard. (Genesis 18:32; Joshua 10:14)  Consider what we can learn from the interchange recorded at Exodus 32:11-14.  Although not needing Moses' input, Jehovah gave Moses an opportunity to reveal how he felt. What human would listen at length to the reasoning of someone who has displayed faulty thinking and then act on that person's word?  Yet, Jehovah listens patiently to humans who call on him in faith. 

Each of us does well to ask:  'If Jehovah can stoop down to deal with people and listen to them as  he did with Abraham, Rachel, Moses, Joshua, Manoah, Elijah, and Hezekiah, should I not be better at honoring all my brothers, dignifying them, listening to their ideas, and even acting on their good ideas?  Does someone in my congregation or in  my family deserve my attention right now?  What should I do about that? What will I do about that?' Genesis 30:6; Judges 13:9; 1 Kings 17:22; 2 Chronicles 30:20. 

Humility also helps us to show self-control when we are provoked.  (Ephesians 4:2) A remarkable example of this can be found at 2 Samuel 16:5-13.   David and his servants endured reproach and physical assault by Shimei, a relative of King Saul's. David did so despite having the power to put an end to it. How did David muster up the strength to control his spirit?  We gain insight into this by examining the third Psalm. 

The superscription of Psalm 3 indicates that it was composed when David "was fleeing from his son Absalom."  Verses 1 and 2 fit events described in chapter 16 of 2 Samuel.  Then Psalm 3:4 highlights David's confidence: "I will call aloud to Jehovah, and he will answer me from his holy mountain."  We too can pray when under attack.  In response, Jehovah provides his holy spirit, which can help us to endure.  Can you think of a situation in which you need  to exercise self-restraint or freely forgive unwarranted animosity?  Are you confident that Jehovah can see your affliction and bestow a blessing?

"WISDOM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING" 

Doing what we know is right brings rich blessings. No wonder Proverbs 4:7 says that "wisdom is the most important thing"!  Although wisdom is based on knowledge, it  particularly  has to do with the decisions we make rather than just the facts  we  understand. Even ants reveal wisdom.  Ants demonstrate instinctive wisdom by preparing their food in the summer.  (Proverbs 30:24, 25)  Christ "the wisdom of God," always does the things pleasing to his Father.  (1 Corinthians 1:24; John 8:29)  God knows the difference between  making the right choice and acting on that choice.  And he rewards those who demonstrate humility with endurance and who practice what they know to be true.  (Read Matthew 7:21-23)  Therefore, work to preserve the spiritual environment in which genuine humility can flourish . Applying what we know to be true takes time and requires patience, but it is a mark of humility that leads to happiness now and forever. 

Next time: To be determined

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