DAILY TEXT, Today Saturday October 19, 2024,  We are fed up with the mockery of those who trust in themselves (Ps. 123:4).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2024

Saturday, October 19, 2024

We are sick of the mockery of those who trust in themselves (Ps. 123:4).

The Bible warned that in the last days there would be many scoffers. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) They are led by “their own irreverent desires.” (Jude 7, 17, 18) How can we avoid falling into the error of the scoffers? For example, we should avoid associating with those who complain about everything. (Ps. 1:1) This means that we should not listen to or read anything that comes from apostates. If we are not careful, we could easily develop a critical spirit and begin to doubt Jehovah and the instructions we receive through his organization. To avoid this, we can ask ourselves: “Do I have the habit of saying something negative whenever we receive new explanations or instructions? Do I tend to find fault with the brothers who lead us?” If we are quick to correct such tendencies, Jehovah will be pleased with us. (Prov. 3:34, 35) w22.10 20 §9, 10.

How do “fools” view Jehovah’s moral standards?

The third kind of people who reject wisdom are “fools.” They are called such because they refuse to live according to God’s moral laws. They do what they think is right. (Prov. 12:15) They reject Jehovah, the source of wisdom. (Ps. 53:1) When we meet them in the preaching service, they often harshly criticize us for upholding Bible standards, but they have nothing better to offer. The Bible says: “True wisdom is beyond the reach of a fool; he has nothing to say at the city gate” (Prov. 24:7). Fools have nothing truly wise to say. No wonder Jehovah warns us: “Stay away from a foolish man.” (Prov. 14:7)

What will help us not to be like fools?

Unlike those who hate God’s counsel, we learn to love God’s way of thinking and all of His laws. We can strengthen that love by comparing the results of being obedient with those of being disobedient. Consider, on the one hand, all the trouble brought on by those who foolishly reject Jehovah’s wise counsel. And, on the other hand, consider how our lives are better for obeying God. —Ps. 32:8, 10.

Does Jehovah force us to follow his wise advice?

Jehovah offers wisdom to all, but he does not force anyone to accept it. He does, however, explain what will happen to those who do not heed his wisdom. (Prov. 1:29-32) Those who choose to disobey Jehovah “will bear the consequences of their conduct.” In time, their way of life will bring only distress and trouble, and eventually destruction. On the other hand, those who listen to Jehovah’s wise counsel and apply it are promised: “Whoever listens to me will live safely, and the terror of disaster will not rob him of peace.”—Prov. 1:33.

What do we learn from Proverbs 4:23?

Living according to God’s wisdom always benefits us. As we have seen, Jehovah makes his wise counsel available to all of us. For example, in the pages of the book of Proverbs, he gives us advice that is valid in all ages and that improves our lives when we apply it. Let us examine just four of these wise pieces of advice.

Let’s protect our symbolic heart. The  Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). Let’s think about what it takes to guard our literal heart. We need to eat healthy foods, get enough exercise, and avoid bad habits. We need to do something similar to guard our symbolic heart. We need to feed ourselves daily on God’s Word. We also need to prepare for, attend, and participate in Christian meetings. We also need to stay active in ministry. And we avoid bad habits by staying away from anything that can pollute our minds, such as immoral entertainment and bad company.

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