THE BIBLE-A Textbook for Living

A Book That Gives Purpose

The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.'  He knows more about our  physical, emotional and spiritual needs than even we do.  (Psalm 139:1-3)  Thoughtfully, he sets clear limits for human behavior.  (Micah 6:8) It makes sense to seek to understand those limits and directions and learn to live by them.  Happy is the man whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah," says the psalmist.  "Everything he does will succeed."  (Psalm 1:1-3)  Such a prospect surely merits our examination.

Maurice, a retired schoolteacher, always believed that the Bible had some historical and literary value.  Yet, he was skeptical about its being divinely inspired.  After listening to an explanation of why God gave his written Word to humans, Maurice examined various Bible prophecies.  As a young man, he had studied ancient history, literature, science and geography.  He admits that he was too clever in his own eyes to see the numerous examples in support of the Bible's authenticity.  "I was caught up in the blind race for ease, wealth and the pleasures of life.  Unfortunately,  I remained uninformed and ignorant to the beauty and veracity of the greatest book ever written."

Now in his 70's, Maurice, alluding to the account about Jesus' appearance to the apostle Thomas, says appreciatively:   "My hand has been guided to the 'bleeding wound' which will forever banish from my mind all doubt that the Bible is anything but the truth."  (John 20:24-29)  As the apostle Paul rightly said, the Bible exposes the intentions of the heart, and it gives meaning to life.  It is truly a textbook for living.

Next time: Adding Stability to a Troubled Life

Watchtower, 2000

DOES THE DEVIL Make us Sick?

SICKNESS SHOULD NEVER HAVE EXISTED. God created us to live forever in perfect health.  It was a spirit creature, Satan, who caused sickness, pain and death  to inflict the human family when he led or first parents, Adam and Eve, into sin. -Genesis 3:1-5, 17-19; Romans 5:12.

DOES this mean that all sickness is a direct result of interference from the spirit world?  As noted in the preceding article, many today think so.  Little Owmadji's grandmother did. But was Owmadji's diarrhea-a sometimes fatal disease for young children int he tropics- really caused by unseen spirits?

Next time: Satan's Role

Watchtower, 1999

Who Is Really Behind the Occult?

CONCERNING our Creator, the Bible says: "God is light and there is no darkness at all in union with him." (1 John 1:5) That is especially true in a spiritual sense. So could the true God be the power behind the occult? Or is there a sinister force involved?

Foremost among occult practices are divination and spiritism, which include astrology, numerology, psalmisty and sorcery, as well as communicating with the "dead" and casting spells. These practices have a very long history, most dating back to ancient Babylon, the ruins of which lie in Iraq. (Isaiah 47:1, 12, 13) From Babylon, occult practices spread around the ancient world and became deeply entrenched in many cultures and civilizations.

Consider an event that occurred in the city of Philippi in ancient Macedonia. There, a small group of Christian ministers, which included the apostle Paul and the physician Luke, encountered a girl who had occult powers. Note how the Bible writer Luke revealed the secret source of her powers. He wrote: "A certain servant girl with a spirit, a demon of divination, met us. She used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction." -Acts 16:16-18.

Yes, this girl's powers did not come from the true God, Jehovah, but from a demon, an evil spirit. Hence, Paul and his companions refused to listen to her. Perhaps you are now wondering: 'Who are demons? And where did they come from?' Again, note the Bible's answers.

Next time: Who Are the Demons?

Awake! 2011

Trust in an Imperfect World

The Basis of Integrity

King David of Israel made many mistakes including his well-documented adulterous relationship with Bath-sheba. ( 2 Samuel 11:1-27) David's many failings served to highlight that he was far from perfect. What, though, did Jehovah see in the man? Addressing David's son, Solomon, Jehovah said: "Walk before me, just as David your father walked , with integrity of heart and with uprightness." (1 Kings 9:4) Despite his may mistakes, David's basic trustworthiness was recognized by Jehovah. Why?"

David gave the answer when he told Solomon: "All hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning." ( 1 Chronicles 28:9) David made mistakes, but he was humble, and he wanted to do what was right. He consistently accepted reproof and correction-indeed, he asked for it. "Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart: was his request. (Psalm 26:2) And refined David was. The constraints resulting from his sin with Bath-sheba, for example, lasted until the end of his life. Still, David never tried to justify his wrongdoing. (2 Samuel 12:1-2) More important, he never swerved from true worship. For this reason, and because of David's genuine, heartfelt contrition and repentance, Jehovah was prepared to forgive his sins and accept him as a man of integrity. -See also Psalm 51.

Next time:Trustworthy Under Test

Watchtower, 1997

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Remember Jehovah Now!

The wholehearted worshiper of Jehovah desires to take up His service as soon as possible and to serve God the rest of his days. However, what are the prospects of a person whose youth is spent in vain because of not remembering the Creator? Under divine inspiration the congregator says: "Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: 'I have no delight in them.' " - Ecclesiastes 12:1.

No one delights in "the calamitous days" of old age. But the elderly who keep God in mind are joyful. For instance, aged Simeon took the infant Jesus into his arms at the temple and joyously declared: "Now, Sovereign Lord, you are letting your slave go free in peace according to your declarations; because my eyes have seen your means of saving that you have made ready in the sight of all the peoples, a light for removing the veil from the nations and a glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32) Eighty-four-year-old Anna also remembered her Creator. She was always at the temple and was present when the infant Jesus was taken there. "In that very hour she came near and began returning thanks to God and speaking for Jerusalem's deliverance." - Luke 2:26-38.

Present-day Witnesses of Jehovah who have grown old in God's service may suffer the pains and limitations of advanced age. Yet, how happy they are, and how much we appreciate their faithful service! They have "the joy of Jehovah," for they know that he has assumed his invincible power toward this earth and has installed Jesus Christ as a heavenly powerful heavenly King. (Nehemiah 8:10) Now is the time for young and old to heed the exhortation: "You young men and also you virgins, you old men together with boys. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven." -Psalm 148:12, 13.

Z"The calamitous days" of old age are unrewarding-perhaps very distressing -to those who give no thought to their Grand Creator and who have no understanding of his glorious purposes. They have no spiritual comprehension that can counterbalance the trials of old age and the woes that have beset mankind since Satan was cast out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-12) Hence, the congregator urges us to remember our Creator "before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds have returned, afterward the downpour." (Ecclesiastes 12:23) What is the significance of these words?

Solomon likens the time of youth to the Palestinian summer when sun, moon and stars shed their light from a cloudless sky. Things then look very bright. In old age, however, a person's days are like the cold, rainy season of winter, with one downpour of trouble after another. (Job 14:1) How sad it would be to know about the Creator but fail to serve him in the summertime of life! In life's wintertime of old age, things darken, especially for those who have passed up opportunities to serve Jehovah in their youth because of Involvement in vain pursuits. Regardless of our age, however, let us 'follow Jehovah fully,' as did faithful Caleb, a loyal associate of the prophet Moses. -Joshua 14:6-9.

Next time: Effects of Advancing Age

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions

What God Expects of Us

Clearly, then, we can have confidence in the fulfillment of God's purpose to have the earth inhabited forever by obedient humans. If we are to be among those privileged to live permanently on earth, we must do what wise King Solomon said: "Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man." -Ecclesiastes 12:13; John 17:3.

Living in harmony with Jehovah's purpose for mankind means getting to know the true God and conforming to his requirements as set out in the Holy Scriptures. If we do this now we can entertain the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth, in which we will never cease to learn new things about God and his wonderful creation. (Luke 23:43) What a thrilling prospect!

Many who search for a purpose in life turn to the Bible and find great happiness right now. For instance, a young man named Alfred could find no meaning in life. The involvement of religion in war disgusted him, and he was upset at the hypocrisy and corruption in politics. Alfred visited Indians of North America in the hope of gaining enlightenment about life's purpose, only to return to Europe disappointed. In despair, he turned to drugs and wild music. However, a regular and careful examination of the Bible later helped Alfred to recognize the true purpose of life and to find contentment.

Next time: A Dependable Light to Our Roadway

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day

IS THE Bible relevant today? For the answer to be yes, surely this age-old book would have to offer its readers guidance on topics of current interest and relevance. Does the Bible provide beneficial counsel on subjects that are of real importance in today's world?

Let us take a look at two current issues. In doing so, we will examine what the Bible says about these matters.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

In view of the conditions in the world today, one of the most commonly asked questions is: Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? This question is justified, since more and more people are being affected by violent crime, corruption, genocide personal tragedy, and so forth. For example, in June 1998 ab express train crashed into a bridge in norther Germany, killing more than a hundred passengers. Even experienced medics and firemen who attended to the injured and the dead were upset by the carnage. A bishop of the Evangelical Church asked: "Dear God, why did this have to happen?" The bishop himself gave no answer.

Experience shows that when innocent people suffer evil without getting an explanation about the cause, they sometimes become embittered. Here is where the Bible can help, for it explains why innocent people are subjected to wickedness and suffering.

When Jehovah God created the earth and everything on it, he did not intend that humankind be troubled by wickedness and suffering. How can we be sure? Because upon completing his creation, "God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Ask yourself, "if I were to observe something wicked, would I pronounce it "very good"?' Of course not! In the same way, when God pronounced everything 'very good," there was not trace of wickedness on earth. So when and how did wickedness start?

Next time: Conclusion of Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Watchtower, 1999

Can The Bible Help Us Today?

"TAKING the Bible as a whole, about 1 percent is worth reading, but the rest is irrelevant and out-of-date. So said one young man. Many would agree with him. Though the Bible continues to be a best-seller worldwide, millions pay scant attention to it and are unfamiliar with its teachings.

In its 1996 Christmas edition, the German newspaper Suddeutshce Zeitung commented that the Bible "has fewer and fewer readers . In the age of the natural sciences and increasing secularization, Biblical accounts appear to many to be strange and difficult to understand." Surveys confirm this report. Some studies reveal that a large number of children do not know exactly who Jesus is. In one survey, fewer than half of the people interviewed could relate the Biblical stores of the prodigal son and the neighborly Samaritan.

The Swiss Evangelical Church publication Reformiertes Forum states that in Switzerland demand for the Bible is not what it use to be. Even among those who have a copy of the Bible, it often just collects dust on the shelf. In Britain the situation is not different. According to one survey, although most people have a Bible, the vast majority hardly ever read it.

On the other hand, millions worldwide feel differently about the Bible. They view it as God's Word and consider it valuable and beneficial. Hence, they read it regularly. One young woman wrote: "I try to read one or two chapters of the Bible each day. I enjoy it very much." Such individuals take careful note of what the Bible teaches, and they try to apply its counsel in their lives. They believe that the Bible can help them in today's troubled world.

What is your opinion? Is the Bible irrelevant in modern times? Or is it valuable and beneficial? Can the Bible help us today?

Next time:The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day

Watchtower, 1999

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

"Giving to the Tired One Power

Further, Jehovah gives power to his servants when they carry out their ministry. We read in Isaiah's prophecy: ,"He is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound . . . . Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out." (Isaiah 40:29-31) The apostle Paul personally received power to perform his ministry. As a result, his ministry was effective. To Christians in Thessalonica, he wrote: "The good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power and with holy spirit." (1 Thessalonians 1:5) His preaching and teaching had the power to work great changes in the lives of those who listened to him.

When confronted by an indifferent spirit in our territory-a territory in which we may have preached repeatedly for years with little response-we may become disheartened. Jeremiah similarly felt discouraged by the opposition, ridicule and apathy he met up with. "I am not going to make mention of [God], and I shall speak no more in his name," he told himself. But he could not keep quiet. His message "proved to be like a burning fire shut up in [his] bones." (Jeremiah 20:9) What gave him renewed power in the face of so much adversity? "Jehovah was with me like a terrible mighty one," Jeremiah said: (Jeremiah 20:11) Jeremiah's appreciation of the vital importance of his message and of his God-given assignment made him responsive to Jehovah's encouragement.

Next time: The Power to Hurt and the Power to Heal

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

POWER is something many of us take for granted. For example, we give little thought to the electrical power that gives us light and heat or to the convenience of plugging in any electrical appliance we may own. Only an unexpected power outage brings home to us that without power, man's cities would practically shut down. Most of the electricity on which we depend comes indirectly from the earth's most reliable power source-the sun. Every second this solar reactor consumes five million tons of nuclear fuel, showering the earth with life-sustaining energy.

Where does all this solar power come from? Who constructed this celestial power plant? Jehovah God did. Referring to him, Psalm 74:16 says: "You yourself prepared the luminary, even the sun." Yes, Jehovah is the ultimate Source of all power, just as he is the Source of all life. (Psalm 36:9) Never should we take this power for granted. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah reminds us to look up at the heavenly bodies, such as the sun and the stars and meditate on how they came into existence. "Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bring forth the army of them even by number, all of who he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 3
2:17.

Since Jehovah is vigorous in power, we can rest assured that the sun will continue to provide us the light and heat on which our lives depend. However, we rely on the power of God for much more than our basic individual needs. Our redemption from sin and death, our hope for the future, and our trust in Jehovah are all inseparably linked to his exercise of power. (Psalm 28:6-9; Isaiah 50:2) The Bible abounds with examples that testify to Jehovah's power to create and redeem, to save his people and destroy his enemies.

Next time: God's Power Is Manifest to Creation

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Jesus demonstrated a positive view of his disciples in another important way. He let them know that he had confidence in them. This was clearly evident in the reassuring words he spoke to his apostles on the final night of his earthly life. Notice what happened.

It was a full evening for Jesus. He gave his apostles an object lesson in humility by washing their feet. Afterward, he instituted the evening meal that would be a memorial of his death. Then, the apostles became embroiled once again in a heated argument over which one of them seemed to be the greatest. Ever patient, Jesus did not berate them but reasoned with them. He told them what lay ahead: "All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will will be scattered about.' " (Matthew 26:31; Zechariah 13:7 ) He knew that his closest companions would abandon him in his moment of need. still, he did not condemn them. Quite the contrary, he told them: "But after I have been raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." (Matthew 26:32) Yes, he assured them that although they would abandon him, he would not abandon them. When this terrible ordeal had passed, he would meet them again.

Jesus kept his word. Later, in Galilee, the resurrected Jesus appeared to the 11 faithful apostles, who evidently had gathered with many others. (Matthew 28:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:6) There, Jesus gave them a weighty commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) The book of Acts give us clear evidence that the apostles followed through on that commission. They faithfully spearheaded the work of preaching the good news in the first century. -Acts 2:41, 42, 4:33; 5:27-32.

Next time: Conclusion of He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

The Fear-Inspiring Day of Jehovah

What will happen when the tie is ripe for Jehovah to execute his judgment? Listen to his own graphic description of what will then take place: "I will give portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun itself will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah." -Joel2:30,31.

That day, more fearsome and destructive than any local volcanic eruption or earthquake, is imminent. The prophet Zephaniah says: "The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near and there is a hurrying of it very much. . .By the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be devoured, because he will make an extermination ,indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth." Although "neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's fury," there is a way to survive that fear-inspiring day. -Zephaniah 1:14-18.

Showing how, Zephaniah says: "Before there comes upon you people the burning anger of Jehovah's anger, seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth . . .Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah's anger." (Zephaniah 2:2, 3) We can take refuge by 'seeking Jehovah , seeking righteousness, and meekness and seeking meekness.' Who today are seeking Jehovah?

You no doubt relate the word "Jehovah" to Jehovah's Witnesses because of their preaching work. You may have received this magazine from one of them. They are known as moral citizens who lead upright lives. They are endeavoring to put on a "new personality," which includes developing meekness. (Colossians 3:8-10) This, they admit, results from being educated by Jehovah's visible organization, throughout the earth represented by local congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Yes, you can take refuge along with 'the entire association of brothers' among Jehovah's Witnesses the world over. -1 Peter 5:9.

Next time: Take Refuge Now

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

A LAVA dome had been observed on Mount Fugen about two weeks earlier, so the authorities and inhabitants had been on the alert. For well over a week before the disaster, an advisory to evacuate the area had been given. Just a day before the eruption, the police had asked members of the press to refrain from going into the restricted area. Yet, that fatal afternoon the 43 victims were in the danger zone.

Why did so many venture into the area or remain there? Some farmers who had evacuated their homes went back to check on their belongings and fields. Three vulcanologist were trying to get as near as possible to the volcano to satisfy their academic interest. A number of reporters and photographers dared to cross the off-limits line because they wanted to get a scoop on the volcanic activity. Three cab drivers hired by the press were on the scene. Policemen and volunteer fire fighters were on duty. Each had his own reason for going into the danger zone-and the consequence was that he lost his life.

Next time: Are You in a Danger Zone?

Watchtower, 2000

LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Fitting Use of God's Word

Paul also built in his fellow believers by his skillful use of the Scriptures. For example, he wrote: " 'But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,' and, 'if he shrinks back, my soul had no pleasure in him.' " (Hebrews 10:38) Paul was here quoting from the prophet Habakkuk. These words were likely familiar to Paul's readers, Hebrew Christians to whom the prophetic books were well-known. Considering his goal-to strengthen the faith of Christians in and near Jerusalem around the year 61 C.E.-the example of Habakkuk was an apt choice. Why?

Habakkuk evidently wrote his book just over two decades before the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. In vision, the prophet saw the Chaldeans (or Babylonians), a "nation biter and impetuous," swooping down on Judah and destroying Jerusalem, swallowing up people's and nations in the process. (Habakkuk 1:5-11) But such a calamity had been foretold since Isaiah's day, over a century earlier. In Habakkuk's time, Jehoiakim succeeded good King Josiah, and wickedness again flourished in Judah. Jehoiakim persecuted and even murdered those speaking in Jehovah's name. (2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:17; 26:20-24) It is no wonder that the anguished prophet Habakkuk cried out: "How long, O Jehovah?" -Habakkuk 1:2.

Habakkuk did not know how close the destruction of Jerusalem was. Similarly, the first-century Christians did not know when the Jewish system of things would end. Nor do we know today know the "day and hour" when Jehovah's judgment will come against this wicked system. (Matthew 24:36) Let us note, then, Jehovah's two-fold answer to Habakkuk. First, he assured the prophet that the end would come right on time. "It will not be late," God said, even though from a human standpoint, it might appear to delay. (Habakkuk 2:3) Second, Jehovah reminded Habakkuk: "As for the righteous one, by his faithfulness he will keep living." (Habakkuk 2:4) What beautiful, simple truths! What matters most is, not when the end comes, but whether we continue to live a life of faith.

When Jerusalem was sacked in 607 B.C.E., Jeremiah, his secretary Baruch, Ebed-melech, and the loyal Rechabites saw the truth of Jehovah's promise to Habakkuk. They 'kept living' by escaping the terrible destruction of Jerusalem. Why? Jehovah rewarded their faithfulness. (Jeremiah 35:1-19; 39:15-18; 43:4-7; 45:1-5) Similarly, the first-century Hebrew Christians must have responded well to Paul's counsel, for when the Roman armies attacked Jerusalem in 66 C.E. and then inexplicably withdrew, those Christians faithfully heeded Jesus' warning to flee. (Luke 21:20, 21) They kept living because of their faithfulness. Likewise, we will keep living if we are found faithful when the end comes. what a vital reason for strengthening our faith now!

Next time: Bringing Examples of Faith to Life

Watchtower, 1999

LIving With Risks

Finding Security in a Risk-Filled World

TO WALK in a minefield can be deadly. Would it not make a difference, though, if you had a map that showed the locations of the land mines? Additionally, suppose you had been trained to identify the various mines. Clearly, such knowledge would considerably reduce the risk of your being maimed or killed.

The Bible can be compared to that map along with the training on mind identification. The Bible contains wisdom that is unsurpassed when it come to avoiding the perils and handling the problems that arise in life.

Note that this measuring promise found at Proverbs 2:10, 11. "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself become pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will safeguard you." The wisdom and discernment mentioned here are not of human origin but of divine origin. "As for the one listening to [godly wisdom], he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread and calamity." (Proverbs 1:33) Let us see how the Bible can enhance our security and help us avoid many problems.

Next time: Avoiding Deadly Accidents

Watchtower, 2001

Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

Cultivate Implicit Trust In Jehovah

The wise king continues: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight."-Proverbs 3:5, 6.

Jehovah is certainly worthy of our complete trust. As the Creator, he is "vigorous in power" and is the Source of "dynamic energy." (Isaiah 40:26, 29) He is able to carry out all that he has purposed. Why, his very name literally means "He Causes to Become," and it builds our confidence in his ability to fulfill what he has promised! The fact that "it is impossible for God to lie" makes him the very epitome of truth . (Hebrews 6:18) His dominant qualities is love. (1 John 4:8) He is "righteous in all his ways and loyal in all his works." (Psalm 145:17) If we cannot trust God, whom can trust? Of course, to cultivate trust in him, we need to "taste and see that Jehovah is good" by applying what we learn from the Bible in our personal life and by reflecting upon the good that this produces. -Psalm 34:8.

How may we take notice of Jehovah in all our ways? The inspired psalmist says: "I shall certainly meditate on all your activity, and with your dealings I will concern myself." (Psalm 77:12) Since God is invisible, meditate on his great acts and on his dealings with his people is vital for cultivating intimacy with him.

Prayer is also an important way of taking notice of Jehovah. Kind David kept calling on Jehovah "all day long." (Psalm 86:3) David often prayed through the night, as when he was a fugitive in the wilderness. (Psalm 63:6, 7) "Carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit," exhorted the apostle Paul. (Ephesians 6:18) How often do we pray? Do we enjoy having personal heartfelt communication with God? When faced with trying situations, do we petition him for help? Do we prayerfully seek his guidance before making important decisions? Our sincere prayers to Jehovah endear us to him. And we have the assurance that he will listen to our prayer and 'make our paths straight'

How foolish it is to 'lean upon our own understanding' or that of prominent people in the world when we can place our complete confidence in Jehovah! "Do not become wise in your own eyes," says Solomon. On the contrary, he admonishes: "Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. May it become a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7, 8) The healthy fear of displeasing God ought to govern all our actions, thoughts and emotions. Such reverential fear prevents us from doing what is bad and is spiritually healing and refreshing.

Next time:Give Jehovah Your Best

Watchtower, 2000