DAILY TEXT, Saturday, July 19, 2025, I would not have enough time to tell you about Gideon (Heb. 11:32).

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Saturday, July 19, 2025

I would not have enough time to tell you about Gideon (Heb. 11:32).

When the men of Ephraim criticized Gideon, he remained calm (Judges 8:1-3). Instead of getting angry, he humbled himself and listened to them, and with great kindness he managed to calm their tempers. Wise elders are like Gideon. When someone criticizes them, they listen attentively and respond with gentleness (James 3:13). By doing this, they contribute to peace in the congregation.

When Gideon was honored for defeating the Midianites, he focused the people’s attention on Jehovah. (Judges 8:22, 23) How can the elders follow their example? By giving Jehovah all the glory when they accomplish something. (1 Cor. 4:6, 7) For example, if an elder is commended for his teaching, he can respond that what he has said comes from God’s Word and that we all learn much from the education Jehovah’s organization provides. It is good for the elders to sometimes ask themselves whether their teaching honors Jehovah or only them. w23.06 4 pars. 7, 8.

How should elders react when they receive praise? Give an example.

Give Jehovah all the credit. Consider what happened to a brother named Timothy. When he was appointed as an elder, he loved to give public talks. He recounts: “I used to prepare long, elaborate introductions and examples, and the brothers would praise me for it. Unfortunately, I was the center of attention, not Jehovah or the Bible.” Over time, Timothy saw that he needed to make changes in his teaching so as not to attract undue attention. (Prov. 27:21) How did it go? He explains: “Now brothers tell me that my talk helped them overcome a problem, endure a trial, or feel closer to Jehovah. I am happier with these comments than with the praise I received years ago.”

In what situations were Gideon's obedience and courage tested? (See the drawing on the cover.)

After Jehovah appointed Gideon as judge, his obedience and courage were put to the test. He was given a very dangerous mission: to destroy his father's altar of Baal (Judges 6:25, 26). Later, Gideon built a large army, and Jehovah twice told him to reduce it (Judges 7:2-7). Finally, at Jehovah's command, he attacked the enemy camp in the middle of the night (Judges 7:9-11).

How can an elder's obedience be tested?

Elders must be ready to obey (James 3:17). When an elder is obedient, he or she gladly follows the guidance given in the Scriptures and God's organization, thus setting an example for others. But it may not always be easy for him or her to obey. At times, he or she may struggle to keep up with all the incoming instructions. At times, he or she may wonder whether following a certain guideline is the most practical or wise thing to do. Or he or she may be asked to do something that jeopardizes his or her freedom. In situations like these, how can elders imitate Gideon's obedient attitude?

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