DAILY TEXT, Today Friday August 30, 2024, The prudent man sees danger and hides himself (Prov. 22:3).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2024

Friday, August 30, 2024

The prudent see danger and hide themselves (Prov. 22:3).

Some of the dangers we must avoid include flirting, excessive drinking or eating, the use of hurtful language, and viewing violent entertainment or pornography. (Ps. 101:3) The Devil is always looking for ways to damage our friendship with Jehovah. (1 Pet. 5:8) If we are not careful, he can plant seeds of envy, dishonesty, greed, hatred, pride, and resentment in our minds and hearts. (Gal. 5:19–21) If we do not uproot them immediately, they will continue to grow into a poisonous and harmful plant. (Jas. 1:14, 15) Consider a more subtle danger: bad company. Remember that we are greatly influenced by the people we associate with. (1 Cor. 15:33) If we watch ourselves, we will not spend more time than necessary with those who do not respect Jehovah’s standards. (Luke 21:34; 2 Cor. 6:15) We will see the danger and avoid it. w23.02 16 par. 7; 17 pars. 10, 11

LET'S MAKE THE BEST USE OF OUR TIME

What were Jesus' disciples to do until the conclusion of the system?

Would Jesus’ disciples sit back and wait until the system was completed? No, for Jesus gave them a task. He commanded them to preach the good news “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:6–8). The mission before them was enormous. But if they devoted themselves to it, they would make the best use of their time.

Why should we make the best use of our time? (Colossians 4:5)

(Read Colossians 4:5.) To keep an eye on ourselves, we must examine how we use our time. As Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, “something unexpected can happen to any of us.” We could even lose our lives unexpectedly.

What is the best way to use our time? (Hebrews 6:11, 12).

The best way to use our time is to do Jehovah’s will and strengthen our relationship with him. (John 14:21) We should follow the Bible’s advice: “Stand firm, immovable, and always be very busy in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) Then, when the end comes—whether it is for our lives or for this evil system—we will not lament over how we could have done more for Jehovah. (Matt. 24:13; Rom. 14:8)

Just as he promised, Jesus continues to lead his disciples today in preaching the Kingdom message throughout the earth. Through Jehovah’s organization, Jesus equips us to preach the good news and gives us the tools to do so. (Matt. 28:18-20) It is up to us to preach and teach diligently and to remain vigilant as we wait for Jehovah to bring this system to an end. We will be able to hold on to our hope “to the end” if we follow the counsel of Hebrews 6:11, 12 (read it).

What are we determined to do?

Jesus mentioned an essential quality for understanding the Bible: discernment. (Read Matthew 24:15.) What is discernment? It is the ability to see how ideas relate to one another and how they differ. It also involves looking beyond what is obvious. And, as Jesus said, discernment will help us see that certain events fulfill Bible prophecies. And discernment is essential for getting the most out of everything we read in the Bible.

Jehovah has already decided when he will end Satan’s world. When that day comes, he will surely fulfill the prophecies found in the Bible. And although it may sometimes seem that the end of this system is slow in coming, Jehovah’s day “will not be late” (Hab. 2:3). Therefore, we are determined to do what Micah 7:7 says: “I will always keep watch over Jehovah. I will wait patiently for the God of my salvation.”

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