“He who is discerning in dealing with a matter will succeed” (PROV. 16:20).
1, 2. What is insight, and how does it help us?
Insight is the ability to understand a situation well and to look beyond what seems obvious. It helps us understand why certain things happen and why people react in a certain way.
Therefore, the Bible links this quality to emotional control and thinking before speaking or acting. Texts such as Psalm 4:4 and Proverbs 10:19 show that a discerning person knows when to remain silent and how to avoid reacting impulsively.
This makes us reflect on how important it is to ask Jehovah for help in seeing things calmly and with balance. In the congregation and in daily life, discernment can prevent many problems and misunderstandings.
Furthermore, when we act prudently, we not only make Jehovah happy, but we also bring peace and tranquility to those around us.
INSTEAD OF BEING PROUD, LET'S SHOW HUMILITY
3. Who was Naaman?
Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army, a very important and respected man in his nation. He had authority, prestige, and was surely accustomed to being treated with great honor. But despite all that, 2 Kings 5:1 mentions that he suffered from leprosy, a very painful and humiliating disease.
This account reminds us that wealth, power, or social standing do not eliminate problems or spiritual needs. It also makes us realize that we all depend on Jehovah, regardless of our experience or responsibilities. Sometimes, someone with less experience or even a simple person can say something that Jehovah will use to help us.
4. How did Naaman demonstrate that he was able to see beyond?
Naaman showed discernment because he did not disregard the words of the young Israelite woman who served in his house. Although she was a slave and, moreover, belonged to an enemy nation, he was willing to listen to her and take seriously what she said about the prophet of Jehovah.
That shows humility and a sincere desire to find help. Surely, Naaman might have thought he had nothing to learn from a child, but he saw beyond appearances.
This makes us realize that Jehovah can use any brother or sister to help us spiritually. In the congregation, even a simple comment or a practical suggestion can greatly benefit us.
5. What happened to Naaman when he arrived in Israel?
When Naaman arrived in Israel, he surely expected to receive very special treatment, but things didn't go as he imagined. King Jehoram was alarmed, thinking that Syria was looking for a reason to fight, and then Elisha didn't even come out to meet him personally, but instead sent a messenger with simple instructions for healing, as explained in 2 Kings 5:6-10. That must have been difficult for someone as important as Naaman.
This account teaches us that Jehovah sometimes allows situations that test our humility. We may receive instructions we don't fully understand or expect different treatment in a certain situation, but this helps us reflect on the importance of not reacting hastily. In the congregation, Jehovah can teach us through simple things, and humbly accepting this helps us greatly.
6. a) Why might Naaman have reacted with pride to the messenger's instructions?
Naaman reacted with pride because he felt he wasn't being treated with the respect he deserved. As the commander of the Syrian army, he probably expected Elisha to personally come out to meet him and perform some impressive act to heal him.
Instead, he received simple instructions through a messenger, and that hurt his pride, as shown in 2 Kings 5:11, 12. Furthermore, he may have thought that Elisha was looking down on Syria and its rivers.
This story makes us think about how we react when things don't go as planned or when we receive advice in a way we don't like.
In the congregation, we might sometimes feel easily offended, but insight helps us to calm down and analyze the situation before reacting.
6. b) How did Naaman’s servants show that they were discerning, and what happened in the end? (2 Kings 5:13, 14).
Naaman's servants showed great insight because they were able to help him reason calmly at a time when he was overcome by anger.
With respect and tact, they made him see that, if he was willing to do something difficult, he could also obey a simple instruction, such as bathing in the Jordan, as 2 Kings 5:13, 14 relates.
Thanks to that help, Naaman set aside his pride and humbly obeyed. The result was wonderful: he was completely cured of leprosy.
This makes us realize how valuable it is to listen to those who try to help us spiritually. Sometimes, a brother or sister can lovingly guide us to reflect and prevent us from making bad decisions.
7. What do we learn from Naaman? (Proverbs 22:4; see also the pictures.)
Naaman's example teaches us that discernment helps us to overcome pride and accept help from others. Proverbs 22:4 shows that humility brings blessings and Jehovah's approval.
Naaman listened to people who, from a human perspective, seemed less important than him: a young Israelite woman, his servants, and Elisha. Because of this, he received a great blessing.
This makes us think about how we react when we receive biblical advice or instruction from the organization that we may not understand at first.
Instead of responding impulsively, it is good to pause and ask ourselves whether our words reflect humility or pride. In the congregation, those who listen with humility often grow spiritually and maintain a closer relationship with Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of a brother being discerning by humbly listening to others: 1. He pays attention to a younger brother who is using the brochure “Become Better Readers and Teachers” to give him advice. 2. He listens to an older sister who tells him about the congregation’s plans to use mobile preaching carts. 3. He attentively watches a JW Broadcasting video on his tablet.
Let us be like Naaman and listen humbly when we are given advice, a suggestion, or instructions from the organization. (See paragraph 7.)
INSTEAD OF REACTING WITH ANGER, LET'S REMAIN CALM
8. In what situations might it be difficult for us to remain calm?
It can be difficult to stay calm when we feel someone is treating us unfairly, speaking disrespectfully to us, or hurting us with their words. Ephesians 4:26 acknowledges that we may sometimes feel anger, but it also encourages us not to let that feeling control us.
We all face frustrating situations in our families, at work, at school, or even in the congregation. This makes us realize that it is not enough to simply have reasons to be upset. We also need to react in a way that pleases Jehovah.
Insight helps us pause and analyze the consequences before acting impulsively. When we learn to remain calm, we avoid saying things we might later regret and contribute to maintaining peace and good relationships with others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Sometimes it's hard to stay calm when we feel someone is treating us unfairly or disrespecting us. Ephesians 4:26 shows that we can feel anger, but we shouldn't let it control us. Insight helps us think before we react and act in ways that promote peace with others.
9. How did Nabal treat David?
Although David and his men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness, when David respectfully asked for provisions, Nabal, as 1 Samuel 25:10-11 shows, responded with insults and humiliating words. He did not appreciate all the good that David had done.
This story makes us reflect on how sometimes we can go to great lengths to help others and still receive a cold or unfair response. In everyday life, this can discourage us or cause us to react emotionally.
But Jehovah observes every effort and knows what we do with good intentions. In the congregation, we learn that we should not allow the negative attitude of others to cause us to lose our temper or act impulsively.
10. How did Abigail and David demonstrate discernment? (1 Samuel 25:32, 33; see also the picture.)
Abigail showed great insight because she was able to see beyond David’s impulsive reaction. Although he was furious and determined to take revenge, she understood that David was a good man who was simply being ruled by his emotions. With humility, tact, and respect, she spoke to him calmly and reminded him of Jehovah’s viewpoint, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:32, 33.
David was also discerning because he listened carefully and accepted the advice, even though it came at a very intense time. This reminds us of the importance of listening when someone tries to calm us down or help us see a situation more clearly. In the congregation, when we accept help and control our emotions, we protect our friendship with Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
David listens attentively to Abigail's pleas as she kneels before him. David's men, standing beside her, watch intently. Abigail's servants wait behind her, their hands full of gifts.
David and Abigail showed discernment in a very tense situation, and thus avoided a tragedy. (See paragraph 10.)
11. How does insight help us when someone or something angers us? (Proverbs 19:11).
Insight helps us think about the consequences before reacting when we are upset. Proverbs 19:11 says that insight makes a person slow to anger, and that prevents many problems.
David was able to calm down because he heard Abigail's reminder of how Jehovah viewed the situation. This reminds us that when we feel anger, we need to stop and pray before we act or speak.
James 1:19 also encourages us to be quick to listen and slow to anger. In daily life, we may face unfair comments or frustrating situations, but reacting impulsively almost never improves things.
12. How can others help us to be insightful and remain calm?
Jehovah can use mature brothers to help us gain a more balanced perspective and remain calm. Just as Abigail helped David to reflect, today a spiritual friend or an elder can also give us wise counsel based on the Bible.
Proverbs 12:15 and 20:18 show how important it is to listen to others' opinions before acting. This reminds us that we don't always see situations clearly when we are upset or emotionally hurt.
Sometimes we need someone to help us analyze things from Jehovah's point of view. In the congregation, it is a blessing to have brothers and sisters who listen to us and lovingly counsel us.
INSTEAD OF BEING AFRAID, LET US TRUST IN JEHOVAH
13. How does insight help us see beyond our fears?
Insight helps us remember that Jehovah is far more powerful than any problem or situation that causes us fear. Psalm 27:1 shows that when Jehovah is on our side, we have no reason to live dominated by fear.
Sometimes challenges seem overwhelming, and we feel we cannot cope, but insight allows us to look beyond our circumstances and trust in Jehovah’s support. This makes us think about how many times Jehovah has already helped us in difficult times.
In our congregation, we hear stories from brothers and sisters who overcame very difficult trials because of their faith. When we meditate on these experiences and strengthen our trust in Jehovah, we can face intimidating situations with greater peace and courage.
14. Why might Jonah have been afraid of the task Jehovah assigned him?
It was understandable that Jonah felt afraid, because Jehovah had asked him to go to Nineveh, a city notorious for the cruelty and violence of the Assyrians. Furthermore, the journey was long and dangerous, and the message he was to deliver was very powerful: the destruction of the city. Humanly speaking, anyone would have felt intimidated.
This makes us realize that even faithful servants can feel fear in the face of certain responsibilities or trials. Perhaps we find it difficult to preach in certain environments, accept a new assignment, or face opposition.
But Jehovah understands our feelings and does not abandon us. In the congregation, we learn that being afraid does not mean a lack of faith. The important thing is not to let fear keep us from obeying Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Jonah was likely afraid because Nineveh was a city known for its violence, and Jehovah asked him to deliver a very difficult message. Furthermore, the journey was long and dangerous. This account reminds us that even faithful servants can feel fear, but Jehovah can help us to obey and trust in him.
15. What helped Jonah to trust Jehovah more? (Jonah 2:6-9).
Jehovah helped Jonah to understand the greatness of his power and that he could protect him in any situation. Even though Jonah was fleeing, Jehovah saved his life in an amazing way, as shown in Jonah 1:17 and 2:6-9. That experience helped him to see beyond his fears and to understand that Jehovah is never in control.
After that, Jonah accepted the second chance and obeyed. This makes us think about the times Jehovah has sustained us when we felt we could not go on.
Remembering how Jehovah has helped us strengthens our confidence for future trials. In the congregation, hearing the experiences of other brothers and sisters can also greatly encourage us and help us to trust more fully in Jehovah’s care and protection.
16. How does insight help us to cope with intimidating situations? (Proverbs 29:25; see also the pictures.)
Insight helps us focus on Jehovah and not on the fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says that the fear of man is a snare, but trusting in Jehovah protects us. Jonah was able to fulfill his assignment when he understood that Jehovah was on his side and could help him overcome any obstacle.
This makes us think about situations that might intimidate us today, such as pressure at school, at work, or even certain spiritual responsibilities. When we remember how Jehovah has cared for us in the past, fear loses its power.
In our congregation, we are also greatly encouraged to hear about the experiences of brothers and sisters who acted courageously because of their trust in Jehovah. If we trust in him completely, we will be able to face difficult situations and continue serving him courageously.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. The prophet Jonah walks toward the gates of the city of Nineveh. 2. A young brother walks through the halls of his school. He is surrounded by things that displease Jehovah. Rainbow flags are everywhere. And one young man threatens another.
Jonah’s example teaches us that discernment helps us to do what Jehovah asks of us and to successfully cope with intimidating situations. (See paragraph 16.)
LET US STRIVE TO BE EVER MORE PERSPECTIVE
17. What can we do to become more insightful?
To become more discerning, we need to draw closer to Jehovah, for he is the perfect source of wisdom and understanding. Psalm 32:8 shows that Jehovah wants to guide us and teach us the best way.
Therefore, it is very important to meditate on the Bible and analyze how to apply its teachings to our daily lives. Psalm 119:97-101 highlights that God's Word helps us make good decisions and control our emotions.
Furthermore, Jehovah gives us his holy spirit to help us develop discernment, as Nehemiah 9:20 indicates. This makes us realize that it is not enough to simply read the Bible quickly. We need to meditate on it and ask for help in prayer.
18. What are you determined to do?
After studying this article, we all want to continue developing discernment and ask Jehovah to help us act wisely. Psalm 14:2 shows that Jehovah observes those who truly desire to seek understanding and do what is right.
Furthermore, Proverbs 21:16 reminds us of the importance of not straying from the path of discernment. This makes us think about how each day we face situations in which we must decide whether we will react with pride, anger, or fear, or whether we will allow Jehovah to guide us.
In the congregation and in daily life, discernment can help us to maintain peace, accept counsel, and trust more fully in Jehovah.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO BE AS PERSPECTIVE AS THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS?
Naaman
We can imitate Naaman by being humble and accepting advice, even if it comes from simple people or in unexpected ways. Insight helps us to let go of pride and listen to Jehovah's guidance.
David and Abigail
We can strive to remain calm when we are upset and listen to Jehovah’s viewpoint before reacting. We can also help others regain emotional balance.
Jonah
We can trust Jehovah more and remember that his power is far greater than any situation that frightens us. When we trust him completely, we can accomplish any assignment with courage.
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