Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Stop judging, lest you be judged (Matt. 7: 1).
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar did not take the time to think about how to help Job. On the contrary, they were thinking about how to prove that he had done something wrong. Some of their claims were true, but much of what they said about Job and Jehovah was untrue and unkind. Furthermore, they judged Job harshly (Job 32: 1-3). How did Jehovah react? He was very indignant with those three men. He called them fools and made them ask Job to pray for them (Job 42: 7-9). The bad example of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar teaches us several lessons. First, that we should not judge our brothers (Matt. 7: 2-5). Rather, we must listen to them carefully before we speak. Only then will we understand what is happening to them (1 Pet. 3: 8). Second, that when we speak we must ensure that our words are kind and true (Eph. 4: 25). And third, that Jehovah cares very much about what we say to each other. w20.03 22 pars. 15, 16
Why did Abigail talk to David?
Abigail was the wife of Nabal, a rich man who owned a lot of land. When David and his men were fleeing from King Saul, they spent some time with Nabal's herdsmen and protected their flocks from the attacks of robbers. Did Nabal appreciate that help? No. When David asked him to give his men some food and water, Nabal was enraged, yelled at them, and insulted them (1 Sam. 25: 5-8, 10-12, 14). As a result, David said that he would destroy all the men in Nabal's house (1 Sam. 25:13, 22). How could this misfortune be avoided? Abigail realized that it was time to speak. With courage he went to meet David and his 400 armed men, hungry and furious, and spoke with him.
What do we learn from what Abigail did?
When Abigail spoke to David, she did so with courage and respect, and in a convincing way. Although she was not to blame for the unpleasant situation, she apologized to David. She recognized her good qualities and trusted that Jehovah would help her. —1 Sam. 25:24, 26, 28, 33, 34. Like her, we must have the courage to speak up if we see that someone is going to make a serious mistake (Ps. 141: 5). We must be respectful, but also determined. When we lovingly counsel someone in need, we show that we are good friends (Prov. 27:17).
What should elders keep in mind when counseling others?
It is especially important that elders have the courage to speak to those who make a wrong move (Gal. 6: 1). They are humble and know that because they are also imperfect, they may one day need advice. But they do not allow this to prevent them from correcting those in need (2 Tim. 4: 2; Titus 1: 9). When they advise someone, they go out of their way to teach them with skill and patience. They love their brothers and therefore want to help them (Prov. 13:24). But their main interest is to honor Jehovah by upholding his standards and protecting the congregation from harm. - Acts 20:28.
So far we have seen when we should speak. But sometimes it is better not to say anything. What difficulties can arise in these situations?
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