DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday, November 16, 2023, Wisdom is with the modest (Prov. 11:2).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Thursday, November 16

Wisdom is with the modest (Prov. 11:2).

The person who is modest does not demand more from himself than he can give and, as a result, is happy and productive. Someone who is modest could be compared to someone who is driving a car uphill and, to continue going uphill, must change to a lower speed even if that means going slower. Similarly, the modest person knows when he must “shift down a gear” in order to continue serving Jehovah and helping others. (Philipp. 4:5) Let's look at the example of Barzillai, who was 80 years old when he received King David's invitation to join the royal court. This man was modest and rejected the king's offer. He recognized that he already had certain limitations and therefore recommended that Kimham, a younger man, take his place (2 Sam. 19:35-37). Like Barzilái, the older brothers are happy to give the younger ones the opportunity to attend to certain responsibilities. w21.09 10 paras. 6, 7.

How did King David show modesty when he wanted to build the temple?

King David also set an excellent example of modesty. He desired with all his heart to make a house for Jehovah. But when Jehovah told him that he had decided that young Solomon would build it, David accepted it and gave his full support to the work (1 Chron. 17:4; 22:5). He did not think he was best suited to do this job because Solomon was young and inexperienced (1 Chron. 29:1). David knew that success depended on Jehovah's blessing, not on the age or experience of those directing the works. Like David, older Christians today remain active even as their responsibilities change. And they know that Jehovah will bless the young people who now attend to the tasks they did before.

How did a Branch Committee member demonstrate modesty?

A modern-day example of modesty is a brother named Shigeo. In 1976, when he was 30 years old, he was appointed to a Branch Committee. In 2004, he became the coordinator of this committee. Over time he realized that he no longer had the strength he had before and was not as fast at work. So he spoke to Jehovah about the matter and thought about the advantages of having a younger brother take his place. Today, he is no longer the coordinator, but he is still part of the Branch Committee and collaborating with its members. The examples of Barzillai, King David, and Shigeus teach us that a humble and modest person does not focus on the lack of experience of young people, but on their strengths. He will see you as his companions, not as his rivals (Prov. 20:29).

How do the older brothers see the younger ones in the congregation?

The older brothers see the younger ones as gifts from Jehovah and feel very grateful for what they do. As their strength dwindles, they appreciate that those who are young and strong are willing and able to work to meet the needs of the congregation.

How does Ruth 4:13-16 show that older people benefit when they appreciate the help of younger people?

Naomi is an excellent example in the Bible of an older person who was grateful and accepted the help of someone younger. After Naomi's son died, she told her daughter-in-law Ruth to return to her family. But when Ruth insisted on accompanying her to Bethlehem, Naomi accepted her help (Ruth 1:7, 8, 18). And this was a great blessing for both of them (read Ruth 4:13-16). The older brothers who are humble follow Naomi's example.

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