When Is the Right Time to Speak? - WHEN TO SPEAK

* When talking to others about Jehovah, do so with "a mild temper and deep respect" for other's beliefs 

* When we see someone heading down a wrong path

* Elders patiently and skillfully provide counsel when needed

Elders should not hesitate to speak up if they see that a brother or sister needs counsel. Of course, they would choose the right time to speak so that they not needlessly embarrass the person.  They would want to wait until they are in a private setting. Elders always endeavor to speak in a way that preserves the dignity of the listener.   Still, they do not want to hold back from sharing Bible principles  that can help others to act wisely.  (Read Proverbs 9:9.)  Why is it so important that we have the courage to speak when necessary? Consider two contrasting examples: In one case, a man needed to correct his son, and in the other, a woman had to confront a future king. 

High Priest Eli had two sons for whom he had deep affection. Those sons, however, had no respect for Jehovah.   They held important positions as priests serving at the tabernacle. But they abused their authority. showed gross disrespect for the offerings given to Jehovah. and brazenly committed sexual immorality. (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22) According to the Mosaic Law, Eli's sons  deserved to die, but permissive Eli merely reproved them mildly and allowed them to continue serving at the tabernacle.  (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)  How did Jehovah view the way that Eli handled the matters? He said:  "Why do you keep honoring your sons more than me?"  Jehovah then determined to put those wicked men to death. - 1 SAMUEL 2:29, 34.

We learn an important lesson from Eli. If we find out that a friend or a relative has broken God's law, we must speak up, remind him of Jehovah's standards.  Then we must make sure that he gets the help he needs from Jehovah's representatives.  (James 5:14)  Never would we want to be like Eli, honoring a friend or relative more than we honor Jehovah. It takes courage to confront someone who needs to be corrected. Bu it is worth the effort.  Note the contrast between Eli's example and that of an Israelite woman named Abigail.

Next time: When Is the Right Time to Speak? - Conclusion of WHEN TO SPEAK

From the jw.org publications