SPIRITUAL GEMS: Week from November 27 to December 3, 2023, Job 20 to 21, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: November 27-December 3, 2023, Job 20 to 21, Answers.

Spiritual Gems (10 min.)

Job 20:2. How can elders help those struggling with “disturbing thoughts”? (w95 1/1 9 para. 19).

Elders can help those struggling with troubling thoughts by listening with patience and understanding, without adding more pressure. Following a lead from Elihu, they can offer counsel and guidance based on the wisdom of God's word, acting as guides who apply the comforting balm of the scriptures to bring comfort and hope to those who suffer.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

By showing interest in their brothers when they listen to them patiently and then in a loving way as they give them advice based on the Bible to help them.

Showing interest and not adding more pressure than he already has and listening to them and in this way with patience and then he says that after doing all this they anoint him with the balm of the word of God, if we keep in mind that the balm was an ointment for heal wounds in ancient times and that served to relieve the person because the word of God is the same.

They can help by showing interest to the person suffering from emotional problems by patiently listening to their problems and concerns just as Elihu listened to Job and reasoned with him about Jehovah's justice. Elders should also do the same using the Bible.

Well, as Job suffered, he says, irritation and terrors, so in the mind of the human being one does not know what can happen, it could be that he made a mistake or it could be that some serious anxiety comes, perhaps due to childhood trauma, a lot of things, So that sometimes makes us speak inappropriately, perhaps even the elderly themselves, however the elderly are in their love so genuine, so great that they give us that balm, they anoint us with that balm and they are not peaceful.

Yes, the information has caught my attention because it talks about the fact that traumas can be real or imaginary, which obviously is not, if they are imaginary, we are not going to downplay their importance, we are going to tell them that it is your imagination, that would be adding a burden to the pressure, that is, so much real as well as imaginary, the balm of the word of God is knowing how to listen.

James 4:7 says therefore submit to God but oppose the devil and he would have given you when a person is in this situation ideas even suicidal thoughts come to mind, it could be the case, how to counteract it as they have commented by listening to them give them good advice and redirect them to Jehovah who is the source of all comfort.

And it is the case that we are considering the difference of the 3 false ones. Elihu listened to them with great patience, with great interest, with great respect, and then when the time was right, he said wise words that really strengthened and made Job see that he had a point of view. wrong view, so let's say anyone who has a problem in the congregation will find comfort through the media within it.

Also, these false friends of Job like Eliphaz and Sophar increased the emotional pressure that Job had, so the elders should be understanding and not add more pressure. If the brother already has a wound, we cannot continue digging into the wound. If it hurts more then they are going to be understanding and loving and use the Bible to encourage you.

Yes, in the reference The Watchtower says that we imitate Jehovah, the omniscient God, that is, the God who knows all real things and of course Jehovah knows even our hearts, but how can we copy Jehovah by being observers, knowing how to listen and never judging in advance if we do not want to? We do not have the capacity to know all the facts like Jehovah, but we can undoubtedly imitate him.

The elderly are an invaluable source of support for those struggling with disturbing thoughts. Like Elihu in the story of Job, your understanding attitude and patience are essential in helping those who are emotionally distressed.

Our beloved named elders also listen without judgment, offering a sympathetic ear and willing to help without adding additional pressure. By providing time and space to express feelings, elders can provide comfort through the wisdom and teachings of God's word, as mentioned in James 5:13-15.

What spiritual pearls have you found about Jehovah, ministry, and other topics in this week's Bible reading?

Job 20:2. This text leaves us with a very important lesson about controlling our emotions, the importance of patience and reflection before responding. Sometimes when we feel uncomfortable or agitated, it is crucial to stop, breathe deeply, and reflect before taking any action or giving a response. This helps us respond more calmly, understandingly, and wisely rather than reacting impulsively.

Job 20:1-3. These verses show Zophar upset and adamant about Job's surprising defense from the previous chapters. He appears dignified and says that his understanding prompts him to respond. This teaches me that Zophar's understanding was rather clouded. If he really had understanding, his attitude and words toward Job would have been different.

Job 20:22. The text urges us to consider the consequences of pursuing wealth without taking into account other aspects of life. An obsession with money can limit our vision and lead us to neglect other important values, such as family, health, personal happiness, and our relationship with Jehovah.

Job 20:4-11. It shows how Sofar had the concept that Job was nothing more than a hypocrite. A wicked man at heart who pretended to be someone who feared God. But these were statements without authority. This teaches me that without evidence you cannot accuse anyone, much less issue opinions or personal comments that could cause emotional harm to the person or damage their reputation. Above all, taking into account that he was an upright and blameless person as was the case with Job.

Job 20:12. We see how Zophar accuses Job of enjoying sin. So his food would have to turn sour inside him like Cobra poison. This teaches me the wrongness of correcting a person in this way. Not even to the wicked, much less to those who have been in such a dire situation as was the case of Job.

Job chapter 20. In these verses we see how Zophar was the most severe of Job's three false friends. She lashed out at him when she was supposed to provide support and comfort. We know that Job later recovers and Jehovah blesses him greatly for his endurance and faithfulness. But surely, Zophar's insensitivity and intentions did not go unnoticed by Jehovah. Therefore, we must be very careful when giving comfort so as not to imitate this bad example.

Job 20:2. He shows that disturbing thoughts can lead people to do or say unwise things. Hence, it is best to remember that we must cast our concerns on Jehovah. Since he is interested in each one of us and why he has the power and also the desire to help us cope with everything that causes us concern.

Job 20:3. This passage shows how Sofa says that the correction he has heard insults him. This is also the attitude or effect that correction and advice produces in many people. However, we know that correction is a sign of Jehovah's love. So instead of seeing it as an insult, we should see it as something that greatly benefits us.

Job 20:5. This verse talks about the happiness of the wicked being fleeting like a dream that lasts only a moment. This reminds us that true happiness comes from Jehovah. Hence the importance of recognizing our spiritual need.

Job 20:12-14. These verses talk about ill-gotten wealth, which becomes bitter and worthless. Nowadays, Many people do anything for money and then come the bitter consequences. Hence, we can use this text to teach the value of leading a simple life and the importance of adopting the same point of view as the Bible on money.

Job 20:20,21. These passages talk about how lasting inner peace is not found in material prosperity. We can use this in the Ministry to teach that true inner peace only comes from Jehovah, just as the Bible teaches.

Job 20:22,23. These texts have been talking about how anxiety and misfortune can occur even at the height of wealth. We can use this in the Ministry to teach the Bible's point of view on money. While it is a protection, it is not the source of happiness, peace of mind, or true security.

Job 20:27,28. These verses talk about all acts and transgressions being revealed and confronted. We can use this in the Ministry to teach that no matter how much someone hides their double life. Jehovah is aware of everything this person does. So sooner or later he will have to give an account of his actions.

Job 20:22. We see that he tells us that the best time for a man is when money dominates him, but on the other hand, unlike us, when he is doing well financially we take the opportunity to give donations or to help your brothers as well.

Job 20:12. We see how a reflection is made on how people's bad behavior can at certain times seem like benefits when it comes to achieving success in life. This happened to Job in conditions where he was having a bad time where perhaps he was questioning whether his actions They were good for Jehovah, because we must not forget about all that when we are in difficult situations, situations that test us, so what we have to do is think that sinful actions only lead to harmful consequences, not in the short term but in the long term. that they are difficult to modify and that the conscience can then be damaged, which is what we have to do on the contrary, reject it immediately if we find ourselves in an environment perhaps prone to it, then do not keep it because otherwise it can also be a consequence of bitterness.

Job 20:3. We see that Zophar said there that the correction he had heard coming from Job insulted him, so we see that this man Zophar did not accept the correction that came from a righteous man like Job but rather he felt offended and this is a warning example. For us, when a friend or brother gives us advice, instead of being offended, we should listen to see if this advice comes from Jehovah and this story also shows us that Jehovah can even use his servants who are going through hard trials to give us advice. or correction.

We always hear people in the world say that if we do not have higher education or a good job, we are average, I think we are satisfied with little because what they aspire to is always to have more in a material sense, however Job 20:20 shows us that People who accumulate wealth do not have inner peace and do not bring them true security and it is true because the Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil and we know that studying or having a stable job is not really a bad thing but what are we? putting it as a priority although Jehovah understands our circumstances he expects us to put him first.

Well throughout the meeting we will talk about our relationship with material things and how we view money and possessions and in fact in Job 20:20-21. There we are reminded of the importance that wealth will not help the wicked escape Jehovah's judgment and that his prosperity will not last, so without a doubt this should make us reflect on our relationship with money and possessions. since if we take refuge in them as the text says, they will not last and Jehovah will not love us more or less because we have more or less things, but on the contrary, they may become an obstacle to serving him with all our soul and everything. heart.

Job 20:4. In the second part it says like this: It has been since man was placed on the Earth. This does not remember that many times in the ministry to give weight to their arguments they tell us this has always happened, I have always seen it, so just as Zophar's advice had no value because it was based on wrong ideas, many of the people with whom The same thing happens to those of us who speak, therefore we must not let this phrase intimidate us in our preaching.

Job 20:22. We can also learn that sometimes we can let our emotions or our feelings make us speak thoughtlessly, so no matter how disturbed or how bad we are, we must meditate, think, and before passing judgment, even speaking, we have to think about whether we are truly seeing it in the appropriate way or are it simply our own feelings that make us see things differently.

Job 20:22. There it teaches us that seeking wealth without considering other aspects of life can lead us to have an unlimited narrow vision, which is why it is good to reflect on what we should really look for, what is important in life and at the same time it can serve as a warning and help us. to avoid the trap of anxiety with money.

If we should not be deceived by the shout of joy or the false happiness of the wicked, then as mentioned in Job 20:5. This is temporary and only lasts a moment and the same could be said of his hope in 21:18 there he compares it to the chaff before the wind or the chaff that is blown away by a gale, how different it is with us when the Bible says that our hope is firm and secure like an anchor. 

Job 20:20. There are many people who, because they have a lot of money, believe that all that money is going to save them, but quite the opposite, because here it tells us that wealth will not help them escape, that is, we have to be very careful about what we have, but we have than to be rich toward Jehovah.

Job 20: 22 has been mentioned before . That Jehovah is the one who judges, but it is interesting because it says that he judges those who are in higher positions, they could even be rulers or judges as the reference text also mentions and that gives us confidence and Strength strengthens our faith in Jehovah that very soon he will end the injustices and pain that is occurring throughout the planet.

Job 20:5. For example, these are very wise words: the shout of joy of the wicked is fleeting and the happiness of the irreverent only lasts a moment if we see it like this without looking at the context, even Jehovah could tell us these words, so we learn that on occasions like these where there are several people who speak and many of them said very interesting things, always make sure to see the context of who is speaking so that when we ourselves use a text, we can tell the person correctly who the quote is from.

Job 20:8. The text says like a dream will fly and they will not find the irreverent one they will chase him away but if he chases away a night vision. This means you explain to us that dreams tend to escape from memory as soon as we wake up and it is possible that we only remember the last one if we remember one, it happens just as it is recorded in the quote, that is why the researchers wake up the dreamer. when rapid eye movements stop.

Job 20:20. I can see the contrast in this verse about when one goes after material things here this verse helps me personally to treasure spiritual things and continue striving to please Jehovah in this way. 

Job 20:6-9 . He teaches us that if one achieves, from a human point of view, success in any facet of our life, whether in power, wealth or fame, all of that can quickly disappear. Even the highest greatness can be ephemeral and fade like a dream. The reality is that everything earthly is temporary, our possessions and achievements are not eternal and even if someone is admired or envied by many, that admiration can disappear in an instant. We can see how pride can lead us to crash, for this reason we must strive to avoid being haughty and proud. And work for things that really help us to be the kind of people that Jehovah expects of us to be truly worth reaching for.

Job 20:12. The text describes how evil can initially seem attractive and sweet, like something to be enjoyed as a momentary pleasure. This may reflect the seductive nature of sinful actions, which may seem tempting and rewarding in the moment, but bring harmful consequences in the long term, the lesson of this text is that the consequences of retaining the bad inside us, harboring or nurturing thoughts Negative or bad feelings can be bitter and destructive.

Job 20:22. This text teaches us that pursuing wealth without considering other aspects of life can lead us to have an unlimited narrow vision. For this reason it is good to reflect on what we should really look for, what is really important in life and at the same time it can serve as a warning and help us avoid falling into the trap of anxiety with money. 

Job 21:3. This text teaches us the importance of practicing patience by listening to others before jumping to conclusions or interrupting, this shows respect and empathy. And by doing so, you gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, reducing the chance of judging someone based on only part of their message. This helps maintain healthy relationships and avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Job 21:7. He teaches us that even though it sometimes seems to us that someone is prospering, it does not mean that he is at peace with himself or that he has a full and happy life. Material wealth does not equal true happiness or satisfaction. Especially if those who seem to have material success are people who are dedicated to evil, then it is a text of Hope to know that Jehovah has promised that he will do justice.

Job 21:34. There we see why Job was discouraged by Eliphaz's advice because we see that it was based on personal ideas not on pious wisdom and that teaches us that when we give advice to our brother because it is always based on the word of God not on simple words empty.

Job 21:14-15. The verses show a posture of indifference and rejection towards Jehovah, a position that some decide to take, because they may feel that they do not need or want to get involved with Jehovah and his ways, preferring to live their lives without considering cultivating a friendship with him, this really is a reality that we see today, however as servants of Jehovah we know that thanks to having known God, we know that this statement is not like that and that it is worthwhile and it is possible to know Him.

Talking about accumulating riches in heaven or spiritual and material riches in Job 21:7-14. It is shown that although they enjoy it now, they will die the same and have a perspective of judgment while those of us who treasure riches in heaven will have a perspective of eternal life.

Job 21:14,15. The verses as they are, a behavior of indifference and rejection towards Jehovah shows an attitude that some people decide to take because they feel that they do not need or do not want to know God, preferring to live their lives without considering having a friendship with him with Jehovah and that is something that We see ourselves today, however, as servants of Jehovah because we know that thanks to the fact that we have known Jehovah, we know that this statement is not so that it is worth knowing him and it is possible to know him.

Job 21:19. There, when Job says, their houses are safe, they do not feel afraid, there is a marginal reference that takes us to Psalm 73, where the psalmist Asa recognized that he was envious of those wicked people who apparently had parents, they did not feel overwhelmed and this teaches us that any witness It can happen throughout our lives that we may find ourselves in a spiritual imbalance, we do not have our vision well focused, what can help us remember that we are on the right path, then continue praying to Jehovah, studying, convincing ourselves that The life we ​​are experiencing now is the best and that in the future Jehovah will give us the reward we expect.

Job 21:22. The verse suggests that, although humans may have knowledge or understanding, there is an insurmountable gap between human knowledge and Jehovah's infinite wisdom, and although humans may have important roles in society or high positions, the verse highlights that Jehovah is the supreme judge, suggesting that no human being can truly teach anything that he does not know or understand.

Job 21:3. This text teaches us the importance of practicing patience when listening to others before drawing conclusions or interrupting since this is a sign of respect and also empathy since in this way we also obtain a much deeper understanding of their perspective. which will also help us later and helps us a lot because this way we will maintain healthy relationships and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

We see that here Zophar in this chapter had no compassion for Job, he was taking the same line as the other two, his two companions in Job 21:5, he even went so far as to tell Job the happiness of the irreverent, the note speaks of an apostate only lasts Wait a minute, what harsh words then one has to think that they are our brothers when we address them they are servants of Jehovah and we cannot use harsh words that make them feel bad they are servants of Jehovah they are our brothers therefore we must copy other examples like Elihu but not these people who were false comforters.

Job 21:20. We see that Job's so-called friends made him feel very overwhelmed and concluded that Job was wrong in a spiritual sense and that is why he was doing poorly. They did not look at the full picture of what was happening to him. This teaches me that when our brothers go through difficulties or are wrong in some way, we should not judge them by what at first glance seems to me or what I see, but even if we do not really see the causes of those problems, we should always strive instead to be a source of encouragement and stimulation. And in this way we will be promoting unity in the congregation.

Job 21:34. Job is frustrated because his friends, instead of giving him real comfort, offer him empty and misleading answers. This highlights and teaches the importance of genuine empathy and understanding towards those who are experiencing difficulties, rather than simply offering empty words or simplistic solutions.

Job 21:34. Job says that his words are useless, which teaches us that we must think before we speak to know how we can help our brothers with our words and actions to strengthen them just as we would like them to do to us.

Job 21:14-16. It is showing or describing to those people who do not want Jehovah in their life why they do not want him because according to them they want to proceed on their own because they think that there is no need to serve Jehovah nor any advantage of praying to him but that everything They can achieve it on their own, but the reality is not that and even more so when we see that these many people have failed in their marriage for not following Jehovah's rules, which is why the Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:12 that there is a way which is right before man but the ways of death are its end afterwards therefore it is best to serve Jehovah and follow his ways and his guidance.

Job 21:22. Here in this verse it is suggested that although humans may have knowledge and understanding there is an insurmountable gap between human knowledge and the infinite wisdom of Jehovah, for this verse teaches me that and highlights that Jehovah is the supreme judge and suggests that no human being can actually teach something he doesn't know or understand.

Job 21:14. When Job quotes those who say to the true God, leave us alone, we do not want to know his ways, who is the almighty so that we can serve him, what do we gain by knowing him, verses 14 and 15 remind us very well of the territory where we sometimes preach and the attitude of some people, we are aware of that, but we must not allow those ideas of some people to discourage us and give in to the devil's intention to stop us from announcing the name and purpose of Jehovah. 

Job 21:7. It raises a question why the wicked continue to live, get old and get rich. Let's think that when preaching we can use questions that arouse people's interest and then we can direct them to other parts of the Bible so that they can find the answer to their questions. .

Job 21:14,15. Which has already been mentioned a couple of times in this assignment, it also relates the situation of many people who consider themselves rich in this world with the rejection of God, it is as if they live satisfied and it is true that preaching sometimes costs us a little more. when we have to access these people but we also do not have to discard them, that is, although Jesus explained that it is complicated that a wealthy person can enter the kingdom of heaven, it does not mean that they cannot enter and for that we may have to adapt our preaching a little and a The verse itself gives us the key because these people often ask what we gain by knowing him. If we focus our teaching on what they really gain when they know Jehovah, it may touch their heart.

Job 21:14. We see the attitude of some people since they do not want to know the ways of Jehovah, so their supposed wisdom has led them to failure in what sense in the sense in which people we see that today they are unhappy they believe that happiness is in money or satisfying their own desires, this teaches me that we should not be guided by our own wisdom but by Jehovah's advice that is for our well-being.

Job 21:4. We see that the statement that Zophar makes that evil people stop being happy or lose their spiritual sense is based on a personal experience since he says this has been the case since man was placed on earth, but as we have already seen, he was very wrong. those words, that teaches me that sometimes there are circumstances that can be very similar to things that I have seen in the past but I should not assume that the result and the infections will be the same and that will help me to always give the benefit of the doubt and It will also help me to trust my friends and my brothers of faith.

Job 21:15. Some questions are asked and these questions show indifference or rejection of Jehovah and well today it can be applied that many people do not want to obey God, nor do they believe that there is a need to serve Him or also that they think that all their success It is only because of his effort, however we as servants of Jehovah know that this is not the case, so this text encourages me rather to follow Job's example and leave these negative thoughts since we always have to trust Jehovah with all the heart and always take into account and give all honor to him.

Job 21:3. Job tells them to be patient while he speaks, so this teaches me to also be patient and not interrupt while others are talking about their issues since we could make the mistake of jumping to conclusions and not seeing the whole picture, much less seeing it with insight. , then if we achieve this we can help people. 

Job 21:7. He talks about why the wicked continue to live here. Sometimes it can happen to us that perhaps due to misfortunes or some difficult situation we think that all those who act badly are successful, well here looking for the reference texts we see that Jeremiah also felt that way and A psalmist also felt this way and so did Habakkuk. This has made me think that when we go through a situation like this and have those feelings, we can meditate on everything that Jehovah has given us up to this point and practice being more grateful every day and this It will help us be happier and more willing to share.

Job 21:7. The question what Job is doing there shows that many people have learned to hide what they do and it seems that they almost always manage to evade justice and the consequences of their actions. However, we remember that the Bible shows that no one can hide from Jehovah and no impostor. can deceive you, as the information says there is no place so dark hidden where the unlimited vision of Jehovah cannot reach.

Job 21:2,3. We see that Job asks his friends to be patient and listen carefully while they speak. This teaches me the importance of being patient and empathetic when listening to others.

Job 21:7-13. They show the bewilderment and frustration at the prosperity of the wicked. Some people also have a hard time understanding why the wicked seem to do well and succeed, while the righteous suffer. Therefore, it is an excellent topic to preach and to teach that we should not envy the apparent prosperity of the wicked, since as Psalm 37:1 to 3 says, this prosperity soon withers like the green grass.

Job 21:16-22. These verses show how Job recognizes that God has control over all things, including judgment on people. This reminds me of Jehovah's sovereignty. Also his justice and wisdom to judge each individual according to his actions.

Job 21:23-26. We see how Job reflects on the brevity of life and how both the good and the evil end up in the grave covered in worms. Here he confronts us with the reality of death. Both good and evil die while we are in this world dominated by Satan.

Job 21:7,9. Seeing the prosperity of the wicked, we may come to think that there is no value in serving God, loving our neighbors, and not doing evil. However, although the apparent prosperity of the wicked may be true in the present, Job's perspective is that those who follow the path of righteousness and serve God have a future hope and reward that will outweigh any temporal suffering.

Job 21:7-13. In this text, Job is questioning why the clean seem to live comfortable lives. The key lesson we can draw from this passage is that even those who are servants of God can go through times of discouragement, doubt, and even erroneous thoughts about Divine justice. Instead of simply concluding that a lack of faith is the cause of those thoughts, it is more constructive and enriching to reflect on what is causing those feelings and how to address them.

Job 21:14-15. Job reflects the stance of some people towards the relationship with the divine. Some choose to turn away from God or ignore his presence, either out of disinterest, disbelief, or believing that they do not need his guidance in their lives. But when you discover that cultivating a relationship with Jehovah, it can provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of purpose that enriches life in unimaginable ways. We protect that friendship with the creator.

Job 21:22. It reminds us that despite our intellectual or social achievements, there is an intimate limit to what we can understand or know. Even those with great human wisdom are still subordinate to God's wisdom and understanding, hence it is more beneficial to obey Jehovah's rules because it will bring us future benefits.

Job 21:3. He offers us a valuable lesson about the importance of patience and active listening in interactions with others. Practicing patience by listening before jumping to conclusions allows for a deeper understanding of others' perspectives. When we take the time to fully listen to what someone has to say, it gives us the opportunity to understand the message in its entirety. rather than basing our judgment on fragments or isolated parts of the conversation.

Job 21:32,34. In these verses Job recognizes human limitation in understanding the ways and judgments of God. This teaches me that we must humbly accept Jehovah's way of working even if we cannot always understand it.