"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

When "Knowledge Itself Becomes Pleasant"

Personal study of the Bible-as essential requirement for seeking wisdom-is not necessarily a pleasant prospect for many people. For example, 58-year old Lawrence says: "I have always worked with my hands. Studying is hard for me." And 24-years old Michael, who did not enjoy studying in school says: "I had to force myself to sit down and study." Yet, a desired to study can be cultivated.

Consider what Michael did. He relates: "I disciplined myself to study for a half hour every day. Soon I could see the effect on my attitude, my comments at Christian meetings, and my conversations with others. Now I look forward to my study periods, and I hate to have anything interfere with them." Yes, personal study becomes an acquired taste when we see the progress we make. Lawrence too applied himself to Bible study and, in time, came to serve as an elder in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

To make personal study and enjoyable experience requires consistent effort. The benefits, though, are great. "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul," says Solomon, "thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you." -Proverbs 2:10, 11.

Next time: "To Deliver You From the Bad Way

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

You Will Not Fail

Often, a search for buried gems, gold or silver proves fruitless. This does not have to be the case with the search for spiritual treasures. Why not? "Jehovah himself gives wisdom," Solomon assures us, "out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment." -Proverbs 2:6.

King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:30-32) The Scriptures reveal that he had knowledge of a variety of subjects, including plants, animals, human nature and God's Word. The discernment he displayed as a young king in settling the dispute between two women, each claiming to be the mother of the same child, helped to bring him international fame. (1 Kings 3:16-28) What was the source of his great learning? Solomon prayed to Jehovah for "wisdom and knowledge" and the ability "to discern between good and bad." Jehovah granted him these. -2 Chronicles 1:10-12; 1 Kings 3:9.

We too should pray for Jehovah's help as we diligently study his Word. The psalmist prayed: "Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name." (Psalm 86:11) Jehovah approved of that prayer, for he had it recorded in the Bible. We can be confident that our earnest and frequent prayers for his help to find spiritual treasured in the Bible will not go unanswered. -Luke 18:1-8.

Solomon points out: "For the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield, by observing the paths of judgment, and he will guard the very way of his loyal ones. In that case you will understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness, the entire course of what is good." (Proverbs 2:7-9) What a reassurance this is! Jehovah not only gives true wisdom to those who sincerely seek it but also proves to be a protective shield for the upright ones because they manifest true wisdom and loyally conform to his righteous standards. May we be among those whom Jehovah helps to understand "the entire course of what is good."

Next time: When "Knowledge Itself Becomes Pleasant"

Watchtower, 1999