DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday October 19, 2022, He began to mock him with contempt (1 Sam. 17:42).

DAILY TEXT, Wednesday October 19, 2022,  He began to mock him with contempt (1 Sam. 17:42).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Wednesday, October 19

He began to mock him contemptuously (1 Sam. 17:42).

When the mighty warrior Goliath saw David, he seemed weak. After all, Goliath was much larger and better equipped and trained for war. David was nothing more than an inexperienced young man who did not seem to be ready for battle. But he trusted in Jehovah's power, and in the end he defeated his enemy (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50). David faced another problem that could have made him feel weak and helpless. He was a loyal servant of Saul, the king Jehovah had appointed in Israel. At first, Saul respected him. But over time, pride made him jealous of David. He began to treat him badly and even tried to kill him (1 Sam. 18: 6-9, 29; 19: 9-11). Although Saul treated him unfairly, David did not lose respect for him, for he knew that he was the king Jehovah had appointed (1 Sam. 24:6). He trusted that Jehovah would give him the strength to endure this difficult test.​—Ps. 18:1, heading. w20.07 17 paras. 11-13

What David-like situation did the apostle Paul face?

The apostle Paul faced a situation similar to David's. He had enemies far more powerful than he. He was surrounded by influential leaders who hated him and many times had him beaten and thrown into prison. Like David, he suffered mistreatment from those who should have been his friends. Even some in the Christian congregation turned against him (2 Cor. 12:11; Phil. 3:18). But he never let himself be defeated by his enemies. He continued to preach despite opposition. He was loyal to his brothers even when they let him down. And, above all, he was faithful to God to the end of his days (2 Tim. 4:8). Although he had so much against him, he came out victorious because he trusted Jehovah and not his own strength.

What is our goal, and how can we achieve it?

Do we have to put up with insults or persecution from classmates, co-workers, or non-Witness family members? Has anyone in the congregation ever treated us badly? If so, let us remember the examples of David and Paul. Let us continue to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Of course, our goal is not to put a stone in someone's forehead, as David did, but to use the Word of God to reach the minds and hearts of those with a good attitude. How can we achieve it? Using the Bible to answer people's questions, showing kindness and respect to those who treat us badly, and doing good to everyone, including our enemies (Matt. 5:44; 1 Pet. 3:15-17 ).

What did Paul never forget?

Before becoming a disciple of Christ, the apostle Paul—then known as Saul—was a brash young man who persecuted the followers of Jesus (Acts 7:58; 1 Tim. 1:13). But Jesus himself spoke to him from heaven, blinding him and stopping him from attacking the congregation. To get his sight back, Paul had to turn to the very people he had persecuted. He was humble and accepted the help of a disciple named Ananias, who restored his sight (Acts 9: 3-9, 17, 18).

Later, Paul became an important member of the Christian congregation, but he never forgot the lesson that Jesus taught him when he spoke to him from heaven on the road to Damascus. He kept a humble attitude and willingly accepted help from his brothers and sisters. He acknowledged that they had greatly helped and strengthened him (Col. 4:10, 11, footnote).

Why can we find it difficult to accept that others help us?

What does Paul's example teach us? When we began to study the Bible, we may have been happy to let others help us, realizing that spiritually we were like children and had much to learn (1 Cor. 3:1, 2). But what now? If we have been serving Jehovah for years and have a lot of experience, we may not be so willing to accept help, especially if it is offered to us by someone who has not been in the truth that long. However, Jehovah often uses brothers and sisters to strengthen us.​—Rom. 1:11, 12. This is a reality that we must accept if we want to benefit from the power that Jehovah gives us.

Why did Paul achieve some extraordinary achievements?

Once he became a Christian, Paul achieved some extraordinary accomplishments. Why? Because he understood that the secret of success is not in physical strength, education, wealth or social position, but in humility and trust in Jehovah. Therefore, let us do like Paul: let us trust in Jehovah, learn lessons from the biblical characters and accept the help of our brothers. So even though we feel weak, Jehovah will make us strong.