"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

Will You Put Forth the Effort?

A major factor in the pursuit of wisdom is the diligent study of the Bible. This study, though, should be much more than reading simply for the sake of getting information. Purposeful meditation on what we read is an essential part of studying the Scriptures. Gaining wisdom and discernment involves pondering over how we can use what we are learning in solving problems and in making decisions. Acquiring understanding calls for contemplating how the new material fits in with what we already know. Who will deny that such a relative study of the Bible requires time and energetic effort? The investment of time and energy is spent when 'seeking for silver and searching for hid treasures.' Will you 'buy out the opportune time' to do so? -Ephesians 5:15, 16.

Consider what great treasures await us if we with an honest heart dig deep into the Bible. why, we would find "the very knowledge of God" -the sound, stable life-giving knowledge of our Creator! (John 17:3) "The fear of Jehovah" is also a treasure to gain. How valuable this reverential awe of him is! The healthy fear of displeasing him must govern every aspect of our life, adding a spiritual dimension to all that we do. -Ecclesiastes 12:13.

A keen desire to search and dig for spiritual treasured should be burning within us to facilitate our search,Jehovah had provided excellent digging tools-the timely journals of truth The Watchtower and Awake! , as well as other Bible-based publications. (Matthew 24:45-47) For our education in his Word and ways, Jehovah has also provided Christian meetings. We need to attend these regularly, give ear to what is being said, put forth earnest effort to concentrate on and treasure up key thoughts, and think deeply about our relationship with Jehovah. -Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Next time: You Will Not Fail

Watchtower, 1999

Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

Hold Fast To Wisdom And Discernment

Next, Solomon emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in cultivating a close relationship with God. He declares: "Happy is the man that has found wisdom, and the man that gets discernment, for having it as gain is better than having silver as gain and having it as produce than gold itself. . . . It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it to be called happy." -Proverbs 3:13-18.

Reminding us of the display of wisdom and discernment in Jehovah's marvelous works of creation, the king states: "Jehovah himself in wisdom founded the earth. He solidly fixed the heavens in discernment. . . .My son, may they not get away from your eyes. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability, and they will prove to be life to your soul and charm to your throat." -Proverbs 3:19-22.

Wisdom and discernment are godly qualities. We need not only to cultivate them but also to hold fast to them by never slacking off in our diligent study of the Scriptures and application of what we learn. "In that case you will walk in security on your way," continues Solomon, "and even your foot will not strike against anything." He adds: "Whenever you lie down you will feel no dread; and you will certainly lie down, and your sleep must be pleasurable." -Proverbs 3:23, 24.

Yes, we can walk in security and sleep with peace of mind as we await the thieflike approach of the day of "sudden destruction" upon Satan's wicked world. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; 1 John 5:19) Even during the imminent great tribulation, we can have this assurance: "You will not need to be afraid of any sudden dreadful thing, nor of the storm upon the wicked ones, because it is coming. For Jehovah himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence, and he will certainly keep your foot against capture." -Proverbs 3:25, 26; Matthew 24:21

Next time: Do What Is Good

Watchtower, 2000