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Our Christian Life and Ministry. June 9 through June 15 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]

[Press play below to hear Proverbs 17]

[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 17] Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace Than a house full of feasting along with quarreling. 2 A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully; He will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But Jehovah is the examiner of hearts. 4 A wicked man pays attention to hurtful speech, And a deceptive man listens to a malicious tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, And whoever rejoices over another’s disaster will not go unpunished. 6 Grandsons are a crown to the aged, And fathers are the glory of their sons. 7 Upright speech does not befit a fool. How much less does false speech befit a ruler! 8 A gift is like a precious stone to its owner; Everywhere he turns, it brings him success. 9 Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends. 10 A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times. 11 A bad man seeks only rebellion, But a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him. 12 Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs Than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness. 13 If anyone repays bad for good, Bad will not depart from his house. 14 Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave. 15 Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one. Both of them are detestable to Jehovah. 16 What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom When he has no heart for acquiring it? 17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. 18 A man lacking good sense shakes hands and agrees To put up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19 The one who loves conflict loves transgression. Anyone who makes his entryway high invites a crash. 20 The one who is crooked at heart will not find success, And the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin. 21 The one who fathers a stupid child will experience grief; And the father of a senseless child has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength. 23 A wicked man will take a bribe in secret To pervert the course of justice. 24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, But the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A stupid son brings grief to his father And heartache to the one who gave birth to him. 26 To punish the righteous one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right. 27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, And a discerning man will remain calm. 28 Even a fool who keeps silent will be considered wise, And the one who seals his lips, discerning. [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]

Song 157 Peace at Last! Based on Psalm 29.11

1. Like an island of calm


In dark stormy seas,


God’s people are living in peace.


With our eyes of faith,


We see beyond the clouds


And know that the storm


soon will cease.


To the ends of the earth,


There’ll be peace at last


For all eternity.


From the valleys below


To the mountaintops,


All creation will see


Peace at last.


2. When the new world is here,


All will be one


On earth and in heaven above.


And the peace we’ll know


We’ve never known before


A world ruled by justice and love.


To the ends of the earth,


There’ll be peace at last


For all eternity.


From the valleys below


To the mountaintops,


All creation will see


Peace at last.


To the ends of the earth,


There’ll be peace at last


For all eternity.



From the valleys below


To the mountaintops,


All creation will see.


To the ends of the earth,


There’ll be peace at last


For all eternity.


From the valleys below


To the mountaintops,


All creation will see


Peace at last,


Peace at last!


[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

Treasures From God’s Word 1. Enjoy Peace in Your Marriage (10 minutes)

Image of A couple in ancient Israel, enjoying a simple meal of bread in their modest home.

[Image:] A couple in ancient Israel, enjoying a simple meal of bread in their modest home. Caption: An Israelite couple enjoying a simple meal in a peaceful atmosphere

It takes work to maintain peace, but it is well worth the effort (see picture)

[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 17.1: Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace Than a house full of feasting along with quarreling. [End of inserted scripture]

Avoid making issues out of small matters

[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 17.9: Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends. [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Awake! September 2014 page 11 paragraph 2] Examine yourself honestly. The Bible acknowledges that some people are “prone to anger” and “disposed to rage.”

[Quotation] Proverbs 29.22: A man prone to anger stirs up strife; Anyone disposed to rage commits many transgressions. [End Quotation]

Does that describe you? Ask yourself: ‘Am I inclined toward bitterness? How easily am I offended? Do I tend to make issues over minor matters?’ The Bible says that “the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17.9)

[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 7.9: Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools. [End Quotation]

That can happen in a marriage as well. So if you have a tendency toward resentment, ask yourself, ‘Could I be more patient with my spouse?’—Bible principle: 1 Peter 4.8.

[Quotation] 1 Peter 4.8: Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]

Stay in control of your emotions

[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 17.14: Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave. [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Watchtower 2008 May 1st page 10 paragraph 6 through page 11 paragraph 1] 1. Set a time to discuss the issue. “For everything there is an appointed time, ... a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.”

[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 3.1: There is an appointed time for everything, A time for every activity under the heavens: [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 3.7: A time to rip apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak; [End Quotation]

As demonstrated in the altercation quoted earlier, some problems may evoke strong emotions. If that happens, have the self-control to call a temporary halt, to “keep quiet”, before tempers flare. You can save your relationship from much damage if you heed the Bible’s advice: “Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before a fight breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14, New Century Version.

[Quotation] Proverbs 17.14: Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave. [End Quotation]

However, there is also “a time to speak.” Problems, like weeds, flourish when neglected. So do not ignore the issue, hoping it will just go away. If you call a halt to a discussion, show respect for your mate by picking a time in the near future when you will talk about the problem. Such a promise can help both of you apply the spirit of the Bible’s counsel: “Let the sun not set with you in a provoked state.”

[Quotation] Ephesians 4.26: Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; [End Quotation]

Of course, you then need to follow through on your promise. [End of reference material]

Image  An unhappy, wealthy couple in Bible times, sitting down for an elaborate meal. Both have their arms crossed, and the wife looks away dismissively while her husband speaks.

[Image] An unhappy, wealthy couple in Bible times, sitting down for an elaborate meal. Both have their arms crossed, and the wife looks away dismissively while her husband speaks.

2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)

Proverbs 17.24 In what way do “the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth”?

[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 17.24: Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, But the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth. [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Insight volume 1 page 790 paragraph 2] Gestures by means of the eyes are very expressive of the individual’s feelings. They may show pity or lack of it;

[Quotation] Deuteronomy 19.13: You should not feel sorry for him, and you must remove the guilt of innocent blood out of Israel, so that it may go well for you. [End Quotation]

they may ‘wink’ or ‘blink’ in derision, or in scheming insincerity.

[Quotation] Psalm 35.19: Do not let those who for no reason are my enemies gloat over me; Do not let those hating me without cause wink their eyes maliciously. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Proverbs 6.13: He winks with his eye, signals with his foot, and motions with his fingers. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Proverbs 16.30: He winks his eye as he schemes harm. He pinches his lips together as he carries out mischief. [End Quotation]

One who does not want to observe or who does not desire to carry out an act for another may be spoken of as shutting or hiding his eyes.

[Quotation] Matthew 13:15: For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back and I heal them.’ [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Proverbs 28.27: Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, But the one who closes his eyes to them will receive many curses. [End Quotation]

The stupid one is said to have his eyes “at the extremity of the earth,” wandering here and there without any fixed object, his thoughts being everywhere except where they ought to be. (Proverbs 17.24) Even a person’s health, vigor, or state of happiness is manifested by the appearance of his eyes.

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 14.27 through 29: But Jonathan had not heard his father put the people under an oath, so he stretched out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. When he drew his hand back to his mouth, his eyes brightened. 28 At this one of the people said: “Your father put the people under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today!’ That is why the people are so tired.” 29 However, Jonathan said: “My father has brought great trouble on the land. Look at how my eyes brightened because I tasted this little bit of honey. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Deuteronomy 34.7: Moses was 120 years old at his death. His eyes had not grown dim, and his strength had not departed. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Job 17.7: From anguish my eyes grow dim, And all my limbs are but a shadow. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Psalm 6.7: My eye is weak from my grief; It has dimmed because of all those harassing me. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Psalm 88.9: My eye is worn out because of my affliction. I call on you, O Jehovah, all day long; To you I spread out my hands. [End Quotation]

King Jehoshaphat addressed Jehovah: “Our eyes are toward you.”

[Quotation] 2 Chronicles 20.12: O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are toward you.” [End Quotation] [End of reference material]

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 17.1 through 17 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 10) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]

Proverbs 17.1 through 17 Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace Than a house full of feasting along with quarreling. A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully; He will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But Jehovah is the examiner of hearts. A wicked man pays attention to hurtful speech, And a deceptive man listens to a malicious tongue. Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, And whoever rejoices over another’s disaster will not go unpunished. Grandsons are a crown to the aged, And fathers are the glory of their sons. Upright speech does not befit a fool. How much less does false speech befit a ruler! A gift is like a precious stone to its owner; Everywhere he turns, it brings him success. Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends. A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times. A bad man seeks only rebellion, But a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him. Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs Than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness. If anyone repays bad for good, Bad will not depart from his house. Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave. Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one. Both of them are detestable to Jehovah. What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom When he has no heart for acquiring it? A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. [End of scripture]



[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 10. Modulation.

[Quotation] Proverbs 8.4: “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.7: For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. [End Quotation]

Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch, and pace.

[Press play below for Video: Study 10. Modulation. (4:59)]

[Click for Transcript]|[Study 10 Modulation]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10 Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7. Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch and pace)
Presenter: The human voice is a marvellous instrument, capable of great variety.
(Text: How to do it: Vary your volume, pitch, and pace in order to convey ideas and stir emotion)
When we vary our volume, pitch, and pace so as to convey ideas clearly and stir emotion, we’re using modulation. Why is modulation important when speaking? For the same reason it’s important
when playing a musical instrument.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano)
How would music sound without modulation? It’s not very appealing, is it? Now let’s vary the volume.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano hard and soft)
Let’s also add changes in pace.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano fast and slow)
Finally, let’s add variations in pitch.
(Both hands play music on the piano)
When the musician varied the volume, pace, and pitch, the result was something pleasurable to listen to. To illustrate the importance of doing this when we speak, let’s listen as a speaker presents fine information but with little modulation.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they will be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8.
Presenter: We stopped the speaker before he read the scripture and finished making the point because he was difficult to listen to. Let’s watch him try again, but this time, he varies his volume, pitch, and pace.
(Left side: The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience. Right side Text: Vary your volume; Vary your pitch; Vary your pace)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they’ll be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. But what would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8: Moses then called Joshua and said to him before the eyes of all Israel: ‘Be courageous and strong, for you are the one who will bring this people into the land that Jehovah swore to their forefathers to give to them, and you will give it to them as an inheritance. Jehovah is the one marching before you, and he will continue with you. He will neither desert you nor abandon you. Do not be afraid or be terrified.’
Presenter: It was much better, wasn’t it? Did you notice how the speaker-built anticipation for the scripture by lowering his volume as he asked: What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Then he increased his volume when reading Moses’ exhortation. If we strive to read and speak with modulation, we’ll convey the ideas more clearly and stir the emotion of our listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10. Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

How to Do It: Vary your volume. Increase your volume to highlight main points and to motivate your listeners. Do the same when reading Scriptural judgments. Decrease your volume to build anticipation or to convey fear or anxiety.
Tip: Do not increase your volume so often that your listeners feel scolded. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by being overly dramatic.
Vary your pitch. If appropriate in your language, raise your pitch to express enthusiasm or to indicate size or distance. Lower your pitch to express sorrow or anxiety.
Vary your pace. Speak more rapidly to convey excitement. Speak more slowly when stating important points.
Tip: To avoid startling your listeners, do not change pace abruptly. Do not speak so rapidly that your diction suffers. [End of Reference Material]

Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry. 4. Starting a Conversation (3 minutes)

Informal Witnessing. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 3 point 5)

[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Kindness point 5] Imitate Jesus. Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. Acts of kindness can open the door to a conversation. [End of Reference material]

5. Starting a Conversation (4 minutes)

Public Witnessing. Offer a Bible study. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 6 point 4)

[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Boldness point 4] Imitate Jesus. Do not prejudge people. We may hesitate to approach some people because of their physical appearance, social or economic status, lifestyle, or religious beliefs. But remember: a. Jehovah and Jesus can read hearts; we cannot. b. No one is beyond the reach of Jehovah’s mercy. [End of Reference material]

6. Talk (5 minutes)

Bible Verses Explained article 60 Theme: What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 17.17? (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 13)

[Reference material Bible Verses Explained] Proverbs 17.17 “A Friend Loves at All Times”
“A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress.” Proverbs 17.17, New World Translation.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17.17, New International Version.

Meaning of Proverbs 17.17. Real friends are reliable and trustworthy. Like close siblings, they are loyal and caring, especially during difficult times. “A true friend shows love at all times.” This phrase can also be rendered “friends always show their love.” The Hebrew word for “love” used in this phrase involves more than an emotion or a feeling for a person. It is an unselfish love that is shown to another through actions.

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 13.4 through 7: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [End Quotation]

Friends bonded by that kind of love stick together when their relationship is tested, perhaps by misunderstandings or the trials of life. They also forgive each other freely.

[Quotation] Proverbs 10.12: Hatred is what stirs up contentions, But love covers over all transgressions. [End Quotation]

And a friend does not become envious when things go well for the other person. Rather, he rejoices with his friend.

[Quotation] Romans 12.15: Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. [End Quotation]

“A true friend ... is a brother who is born for times of distress.” The proverb draws on the fact that siblings can be especially close. So when we do our very best for a friend who is going through a stressful time, we are acting just as a true brother or sister would act. Moreover, the bond that unites such friends is not weakened by tests. Rather, it is strengthened thanks to increased love and respect.

Context of Proverbs 17.17. The book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom in the form of concise sayings that make the reader think. King Solomon wrote much of this Bible book. His writing style is typical of Hebrew poetry that instead of using rhyme uses both parallel and contrasting thoughts, where one line may build on the other or contrast with it. Proverbs 17:17 is an example of parallel poetry, the second part of the verse building on the first. Proverbs 18:24 is an example of contrasting thoughts. “There are companions ready to crush one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
When writing Proverbs 17.17, Solomon may have had in mind the close friendship that his father, David, had with Jonathan, a son of King Saul.

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 13.16: Saul, his son Jonathan, and the people still with them were dwelling in Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines had encamped at Michmash. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 18.1: As soon as David had finished speaking to Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship, and Jonathan began to love him as himself. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 19.1 through 3: Saul later spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants about putting David to death. 2: Since Saul’s son Jonathan was very fond of David, Jonathan told David: “My father Saul wants to have you put to death. Please be on your guard in the morning, and go to a secret place and remain hidden. 3 I will go out and stand next to my father in the field where you will be. I will talk about you to my father, and if I learn anything, I will be sure to tell you.” [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 20.30 through 34: Then Saul became enraged with Jonathan, and he said to him: “You son of a rebellious woman, do you think I do not know that you are choosing to side with the son of Jesse, to your own shame and to the shame of your mother? 31 As long as the son of Jesse is alive on the earth, you and your kingship will not be firmly established. So now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die.” 32 However, Jonathan said to Saul his father: “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 33 At that Saul hurled the spear at him to strike him, so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. 34 Jonathan immediately rose up from the table in the heat of anger, and he did not eat any food on the second day after the new moon, for he was upset over David and his own father had humiliated him. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 20.41 and 42: When the attendant left, David rose up from a place nearby that was to the south. Then he fell with his face to the ground and bowed three times, and they kissed each other and wept for each other, but David wept the most. 42 Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of Jehovah, saying, ‘May Jehovah be between you and me and between your offspring and my offspring forever.’” Then David rose up and left, and Jonathan went back to the city. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 23.16 through 18: Jonathan the son of Saul now went out to David at Horesh, and he helped him find strength in Jehovah. 17 He said to him: “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will not find you; you will be king over Israel, and I will become second to you; and my father Saul also knows that.” 18 Then the two of them made a covenant before Jehovah, and David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went to his home. [End Quotation]

Although David and Jonathan were not related, they were closer than brothers. Jonathan even risked his life for his young friend.

Other Renderings of Proverbs 17.17
“A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.” The Bible in Basic English.
“A friend is always a friend, he is a born brother for adversity.” The Moffatt Translation of the Bible.
“A friend shows his friendship at all times, it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born.” The Complete Jewish Study Bible. [End of reference material]


[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 13. Practical Value Made Clear.

[Quotation] Proverbs 3.21: My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; [End Quotation]

Summary: Help your listeners to understand how your subject affects their lives, and show them what to do with what they learn.

[Press play below for Video: Study 13. Practical Value Made Clear. (6:08)]

[Click for Transcript]|[Study 13. Practical Value Made Clear]
(Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 13 Practical Value Made Clear. Proverbs 3.21) (Summary: Help your listeners to understand how your subject affects their lives, and show them what to do with what they learn)
Presenter: 'I’m not interested.' Have you ever had someone tell you that in the ministry? Some people may simply want us to go away. Others, however, may end the conversation if they can’t see how our message affects them personally.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Show your listeners what to do)
So, we need to present information that will help our listeners and then show them how to apply what they just heard. For instance, imagine that a natural disaster has recently affected part of your territory. How might you include this in your presentation? Let’s watch an example.
(At a door, two brothers speak with a man)
Brother: Hello. It’s good to meet you. I’m glad to see that this neighborhood wasn’t affected by the recent heavy rains and mudslide.
Man: Yeah. It wasn’t too bad here, but we did have a few trees fall behind the house.
Brother: Well, I don’t want to take a lot of your time. We’re calling to talk about hope for loved ones who’ve died. Do you think we’ll ever see them again?
Man: Thanks, but I’m not really interested.
Presenter: What just happened? Would you say that the publisher made clear the practical value of his information? Although he mentioned the recent storm, he failed to notice its effect on the householder. And when he learned how the householder felt, he didn’t tailor his presentation 13 Practical Value Made Clear to the man’s needs. True, all of “the good news of the Kingdom” is valuable, but some aspects may appeal to people more at specific times in their life. Moreover, if we ignore topics that are on people’s minds, they might think we’re inconsiderate or rude. In the example we just watched,
what Bible account might have made the person think? Let’s watch again.
(At a door, two brothers speak with a man)
Brother: My heart goes out to those who’ve lost their homes in the recent heavy rains and mudslide.
Man: Me too! We’ve been helping a family member try to recover some personal belongings. We’re just happy that no one was hurt.
Brother: That’s a relief, for sure. And it’s nice to see the community coming together to help one another. Did you know that the Bible promises a time when we’ll no longer experience devastation from so-called natural disasters?
Man: Really? What do you mean?
Brother: Well, think about the power Jesus displayed when he lived on the earth. Notice what it says here at Mark 4:39: With that he got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea: ‘Hush! Be quiet!’ And the wind abated.
(Text: In the Ministry: Use topics that householders can relate to)
Presenter: The publisher used a local topic of interest and a Bible account that the householder could relate to. We can also make practical application of our material when giving a talk. However, when teaching an audience what to do, be careful not to burden them with guilt.
(Text: Rather than burdening others with guilt, strengthen their love and faith)
Instead, strengthen their love and faith and express confidence in their good motives. If you’re preparing a public talk, consider the needs of newly interested ones. Ask yourself, ‘How can I help this audience to draw close to Jehovah and overcome obstacles that could hinder them from making progress?’ Let’s watch a brief excerpt from a public talk.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Hebrews 10.24 and 25 says: And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.” So, if it’s your custom to miss meetings here at the Kingdom Hall, you need to change. Jehovah knows when you’re here and when you’re not. Armageddon is coming, and you don’t want to miss out on everlasting life.
Presenter: Was that encouraging? Was it motivating to those attending their first congregation meeting? Although the speaker clearly showed what the audience needed to do, how might he have strengthened their motivation?
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Hebrews 10.24 and 25 says: And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.” Within these verses we find important reasons to attend congregation meetings regularly. For instance, we receive encouragement. Who doesn’t need that? This is true “all the more so” since we’re living in critical times and Jehovah’s day is “drawing near.” Moreover, attending congregation meetings gives us the opportunity to ‘incite others to love and fine works.’ Yes, even your presence here is motivating. How so? Because you’ve shown that no matter what else is happening in your life, there is nothing more important to you than praising and honouring Jehovah here with the congregation. So just seeing you here
fills us with strength.
Presenter: By making the practical value of our message clear to our listeners, we help them to understand how the information affects their lives, and we motivate them to action.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 13 Practical Value Made Clear. Proverbs 3.21)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

How to Do It: Think about your listeners. Meditate on why your listeners need to hear the information you are sharing, and consider what aspect of the topic will be particularly helpful to them.
Throughout your presentation, show your listeners what to do. Right from the start, each listener should realize, ‘This involves me.’ As you develop each main point, show how to apply it. Avoid speaking in generalities.
Tip: Discuss the application of Bible principles lovingly and empathetically. Rather than burdening others with guilt, strengthen their love and faith, confident that their heart will motivate them to do the right thing.
[Box] In the Ministry. When preparing to preach, give thought to what is in the news and to topics that may interest people in your territory. Adapt your comments to address what is most practical then and there. Ask tactful questions that draw out a person’s concerns and interests. Then listen to the response, and adapt your teaching accordingly. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]

Living as Christians Song 113 Our Possession of Peace. Based on John 14.27

1. Praise Jehovah, God of peace,


God of unity.


He will make all wars to cease,


Bring in harmony.


Prince of Peace is Christ his Son,


Tender, calm, and kind.


When the fight for right he’s won,


Perfect peace we’ll find.


2. We have left off angry words,


Making quarrels cease.


We have made from spears and swords,


Implements of peace.


If this peace we want to keep,


Then we must forgive.


Peacefully as Jesus’ sheep,


May we learn and live.


3. Peace from God gives proof to all;


He has blessed our way.


His commands we gladly keep,


Ready to obey.


We would recommend our way,


Show our peaceful care


Till the Kingdom’s perfect day


Brings peace ev’rywhere.


[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

7. Cultivate Habits That Promote Good Communication (15 minutes) Discussion.

Good communication is key to a happy family life. When family members communicate openly, they can accomplish goals as a team and support one another during challenging times.

[Quotation] Proverbs 15.22: Plans fail when there is no consultation, But there is accomplishment through many advisers. [End Quotation]

What can you do to promote open communication in your family? Spend time together.

[Quotation] Deuteronomy 6.6 and 7: These words that I am commanding you today must be on your heart, 7 and you must inculcate them in your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. [End Quotation]

When families work together, participate in spiritual activities together, and have fun together, they create a strong bond of love and trust. They also create opportunities for relaxed conversation. At times, you may need to sacrifice your personal preferences to do something that others in the family want to do, but the long-term rewards are worth it!

[Quotation] Philippians 2.3 and 4: Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, 4 as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. [End Quotation]

How can you make the best use of your time together?

[Quotation] Ephesians 5.15 and 16: So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, 16 making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. [End Quotation]

Play the video Follow the Road Map to Family Peace. Improve Communication. Then ask the audience: What effect can the misuse of electronic devices have on communication in the family? What else did you learn about effective communication from this video?

[Press play below for Video: Follow the Road Map to Family Peace. Improve Communication. (5:28)]

[Click for transcript]|[Transcript: Follow the Road Map to Family Peace. Improve Communication]
AD: At the dinning table Max, Irene and the kids eat their meal with a phone in one hand and a fork in the other.
Max: Hey, Steve.
AD: Max takes a phone call and gets up from the table.
Yeah, I’m sorry I was late to the meeting. I should have been there to help out with my assignment.
AD: His family continues to gaze at their phones.
Yeah, we got delayed.
AD: Flash back. Max waits in a car anxiously tapping the steering wheel with his fingers.
Irene: We’re late.
AD: In the house.
Let’s go, kids!
AD: Gab on the couch, Olivia in the kitchen fixated on their phones.
We’re coming! Sorry!
AD: They scramble out of the house.
Max: Yeah, the family is fine. Everybody is adjusting really well.
AD: Max rummages through a draw in the brown desk.
Anyone seen my glasses?
AD: Gab on the couch, Sue in an armchair, Olivia at the dinning table.
Anyone?
AD: All three enthralled by their phones. With raised eyebrows he scans the room.
I mean, we might be a little out of sync, but I don’t know,
AD: He awkwardly shifts back and forth.
every family has their issues, right?
AD: Flashback. Form the kitchen Max spots Olivia on her way out.
You going outside in those?
AD: He scans her jeans that have tears from top to bottom.
Olivia: Ah hum.
AD:Tight lipped he watches her leave the house.
Max: Hey, well, thanks for understanding.
AD: Back to the present.
Alright, okay, take care. Alright bye bye.
AD: Max rejoins his family at the table still glued to their phones. Irene looks up from her phone to catch Max’s eye. With a nod he prompts her to look at the kids. Sue giggles entertained by her phone. Gab intensely stairs at his, Olivia blankly looks at hers. With raised eyebrows Irene and max exchange looks.
Max: I don’t know.
AD: Max. What do you think?
Irene: We all have to work on it, I know I need to.
AD: Next to Irene on a window seat.
Max: Why don’t we approach it that way with the kids? Just be open with them?
Irene: That sounds like a good idea.
AD: In the living room.
Max: Okay, so Irene and I have been talking about
AD: Max sits on the edge of a chair.
Max: communication.
AD: He rubs his hands together.
Max: in our family.
Irene: We want to talk about our phones and other devices.
Gab: You’re not talking about me are you?
Sue: You can’t do that. No, no. I know that we can all be more balanced, but . . .
Olivia: I need it.
Gab: You’re joking, right? You mean them.
Sue: You can’t take them away.
Olivia: I haven’t done anything bad.
Sue: I have responsibilities.
Max: Hold on.
Olivia: You’re always on your phone too.
Sue: That’s true.
Max: It’s OK. Let’s just talk about it, all right?
AD: The kids stare blankly.
Sue: can you read Ephesians 5:15, 16 for us, please?
AD: They read the scripture from their phones.
Sue:“So keep strict watch that how you walk “is not as unwise but as wise persons, making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked.” Max: So how do you think we’re doing with our phones and other devices?
AD: Sitting side by side on the couch Sue and Olivia glance at each other. Sitting nearby in an armchair Gab bits his lip.
Irene: It isn’t that what you’re doing on your devices is wrong.
Max: Exactly. But could it be taking time away from more important things, like talking to each other, and in that way affecting even how we’re talking to each other?
AD: Thoughtfully Max looks to Irene, Irene to the kids, the kids to each other.
Gab: Yeah,
AD: Gab looks at Max.
I think it’d be smart to have some boundaries then.
AD: Max’s face brightens as the family smiles.
Olivia: Yeah, OK.
AD: Olivia places her phone face down on a throw below.
Sue: OK.
Max: OK. Let’s talk about how we can do that.
AD: Another day, Olivia comes home.
Irene: Hey!
Max: Hey, Olivia.
AD: From the kitchen
Olivia: Hey.
AD: Max and Irene spot her wearing the ripped jeans.
Max: Evidently, I haven’t figured out how to talk to her about her clothes yet.
Irene: Hmm.
Max: I need your help.
Irene: I got this one.
AD: She follows Olivia into her room. Olivia plays with a thread on her jeans.
Irene: I know, but it’s all about good spiritual judgment.
AD: Olivia drops her head.
Do you think that these trends reflect Jehovah’s view of “respectable dress”?
AD: Irene softly pats Olivia’s knee.
I know that you’ll do the right thing, Ok.
AD: Later at the dinning table the family happily chats as they enjoy their meal.
Olivia: Hey, Gab, can you take us?
Gab: Yeah, of course. Mm-hmm.
Max: While we’re all here, I know we all have different views on punctuality,
AD: The girls smile at each other.
but I really need your help so that I can take care of some of my responsibilities.
AD: He tenderly furrows his eyebrows.
You think we can meet in the middle?
AD: They bob their heads in agreement.
Kids: OK. Yeah.
Max: All right. Great.
AD: Later, dressed for the meeting, Olivia and Sue pass each other in the hallway with smiles. Olivia grabs her blue purse from the door knob. She notices her ripped jeans on the bed then pauses reflectively. She tosses the jeans in the waist basket.
[Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2022 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.] [Click to close]

Image The family enjoys a meal together.

[Image Alt:] The family enjoys a meal together.

Be a good listener.

[Quotation] James 1.19: Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, [End Quotation]

Children are more likely to express themselves freely if they are not afraid of being misunderstood or judged. So do your best not to overreact if your child says something that concerns you.

[Quotation] Proverbs 17.27: A man of knowledge restrains his words, And a discerning man will remain calm. [End Quotation]

Instead, listen with empathy. Try to understand his thoughts and feelings so that you can reassure or assist him in a loving way.

8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)

“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 27 paragraphs 19 through 22, box “The Five Letters of Paul’s First Roman Captivity”

[Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]

“Preaching the Kingdom of God” (Acts 28.30 and 31)

[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 28.30 and 31] So he remained there for an entire two years in his own rented house, and he would kindly receive all those who came to him, 31 preaching the Kingdom of God to them and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech, without hindrance. [End of scripture] [Click to close]

Question 19. How did Paul make the most of his circumstances?

19. Luke concludes his narrative on a truly positive and warm note, saying: “[Paul] remained there for an entire two years in his own rented house, and he would kindly receive all those who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God to them and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech, without hindrance.” (Acts 28.30 and 31) What an outstanding example of hospitality, faith, and zeal!

Question 20 and 21. Mention some examples of those who benefited from Paul’s ministry in Rome.

20. One of those whom Paul kindly received was a man named Onesimus, a runaway slave from Colossae. Paul helped Onesimus to become a Christian, and Onesimus, in turn, became a “faithful and beloved brother” to Paul. In fact, Paul described him as “my child, whose father I became.”

[Quotation] Colossians 4.9: He is coming along with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will tell you all the things happening here. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Philemon 10 through 12: I am appealing to you for my child, whose father I became while in prison, Onesimus. 11 He was formerly useless to you, but now he is useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back to you, yes him, my very own heart. [End Quotation]

How Onesimus must have lifted Paul’s spirits!* Footnote] Paul wanted to keep Onesimus there with him, but this would have violated Roman law and infringed on the rights of Onesimus’ master, the Christian Philemon. Hence, Onesimus returned to Philemon, taking along a letter from Paul that encouraged Philemon to receive his slave kindly, as a spiritual brother.

[Quotation] Philemon 13 through 19: I would like to keep him here for myself so that he might take your place in ministering to me during my imprisonment for the sake of the good news. 14 But I do not want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed may be done, not under compulsion, but of your own free will. 15 Perhaps this is really why he broke away for a short while, so that you may have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as a brother who is beloved, especially so to me, but how much more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a friend, receive him kindly the same way you would me. 18 Moreover, if he did you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand: I will pay it back, not to mention that you owe me even your own self. [End Quotation] [End of footnote]

21. Others too benefited from Paul’s fine example. To the Philippians, he wrote: “My situation has actually turned out for the advancement of the good news, so that my prison bonds for the sake of Christ have become public knowledge among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest. Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence because of my prison bonds, and they are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly.”

[Quotation] Philippians 1.12 through 14: Now I want you to know, brothers, that my situation has actually turned out for the advancement of the good news, 13 so that my prison bonds for the sake of Christ have become public knowledge among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest. 14 Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence because of my prison bonds, and they are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly. [End Quotation]

Question 22. How did Paul take advantage of his confinement in Rome?

22. Paul took advantage of his confinement in Rome to write important letters that are now part of the Christian Greek Scriptures.* [Footnote] See the box “The Five Letters of Paul’s First Roman Captivity.” [End of footnote] Those letters benefited the first-century Christians to whom they were written. We too benefit from Paul’s letters, for the inspired counsel he wrote is as practical today as when it was written.

[Quotation] 2 Timothy 3.16 and 17: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. [End Quotation]

[Box] The Five Letters of Paul’s First Roman Captivity.

Five of the apostle Paul’s letters were written about 60-61 C.E., during his first captivity in Rome. In the letter to Philemon, a fellow believer, Paul explains that Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus had become a Christian. Paul was Onesimus’ spiritual father and was sending the “formerly useless” slave back to his owner as a Christian brother.

[Quotation] Philemon 10 through 12: I am appealing to you for my child, whose father I became while in prison, Onesimus. 11 He was formerly useless to you, but now he is useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back to you, yes him, my very own heart. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Philemon 16: no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as a brother who is beloved, especially so to me, but how much more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. [End Quotation]

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul indicates that Onesimus was “from among” them.

[Quotation] Colossians 4.9: He is coming along with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will tell you all the things happening here. [End Quotation]

Onesimus and fellow Christian Tychicus had the privilege of delivering both of the aforementioned letters as well as the one that Paul wrote to the Ephesians.

[Quotation] Ephesians 6.21: Now so that you may also know about me and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. [End Quotation]

When writing to the Philippians, Paul mentions his “prison bonds” and again speaks of the situation of the letter carrier, this time, Epaphroditus. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to assist Paul. But Epaphroditus had become ill almost to the point of death. He had also become depressed because the Philippians “heard he had fallen sick.” Hence, Paul told them to treasure “men of that sort.”

[Quotation] Philippians 1.7: It is only right for me to think this regarding all of you, since I have you in my heart, you who are sharers with me in the undeserved kindness both in my prison bonds and in the defending and legally establishing of the good news. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Philippians 2.25 through 30: But for now I consider it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your envoy and personal servant for my need, 26 since he is longing to see all of you and is depressed because you heard he had fallen sick. 27 Indeed, he did fall sick nearly to the point of death; but God had mercy on him, in fact, not only on him but also on me, so that I should not have one grief after another. 28 Therefore, I am sending him with the greatest urgency, so that when you see him you may again rejoice and I may also be less anxious. 29 So give him the customary welcome in the Lord with all joy, and keep holding men of that sort dear, 30 because he nearly died on account of the work of Christ, risking his life in order to make up for your not being here to render personal service to me. [End Quotation]

The letter to the Hebrews was addressed to the Hebrew Christians in Judea. Although the letter does not specifically identify the writer, evidence suggests that it was Paul. The writing is in his style. Paul sends greetings from Italy, and he mentions Timothy, who was with him in Rome.

[Quotation] Philippians 1.1: Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, along with overseers and ministerial servants: [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Colossians 1.1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will, and Timothy our brother, [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Philemon 1: Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker, [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Hebrews 13.23 and 24: I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, I will be with him when I see you. 24 Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among you and to all the holy ones. Those in Italy send you their greetings. [End Quotation] [End of box]

Song 35 Make Sure of the More Important Things” Based on Philippians 1.10

1. How great our need today for discernment,


To know the things that are true,


To know which things have greater importance,


To know which things we must do!


Love what is good; Hate what is bad.


Make God’s heart glad;


Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,


When we discern,


And when we do the important things!


2. And what could be of greater importance


Than sharing Kingdom good news,


To search for those who hunger for truth


And to help them God’s way to choose?


Love what is good; Hate what is bad.


Make God’s heart glad;


Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,


When we discern,


And when we do the important things!


3. If we take care to do what’s important,


Then true contentment we’ll find.


The peace surpassing all understanding


Will guard our heart and our mind.


Love what is good; Hate what is bad.


Make God’s heart glad;


Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,


When we discern,

And when we do the important things!


[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

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