Daily Text and Bible Reading: Wednesday, July 23 [Press play below]
Press play below to hear today's Bible Chapters: Proverbs Chapter 17 through 19
Examining the Scriptures Daily
Wednesday, July 23
You have brought great trouble on me. Genesis 34.30.
Jacob endured many problems. Two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, brought disgrace on the family and reproach on Jehovah’s name. In addition, Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, died while giving birth to their second child. And because of a severe famine, Jacob was forced to move to the land of Egypt in his old age.
[Quotation] Genesis 35.16 through 19: Then they pulled away from Bethel. And while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was very difficult. 17 But while she was struggling to deliver the child, the midwife said to her: “Do not be afraid, for you will have this son also.” 18 Just as her life was slipping away [Quotation] for she was dying [End Quotation], she named him Ben-oni, but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 37.28: And when the Midianite merchants were passing by, they lifted Joseph up out of the waterpit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver. These men took Joseph into Egypt. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 45.9 through 11: “Return quickly to my father, and you must say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph has said: “God has appointed me lord over all Egypt. Come down to me. Do not delay. 10 You must dwell in the land of Goshen, where you will be near me, you, your sons, your grandsons, your flocks, your herds, and everything you have. 11 I will supply you with food there, for there are yet five years of famine. Otherwise, you and your house and everything you have will come to poverty.”’ [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 45.28: Israel exclaimed: “It is enough! My son Joseph is still alive! I must go and see him before I die!” [End Quotation]
Through it all, Jacob never lost faith in Jehovah and in His promises. In turn, Jehovah showed Jacob that he had His favor. For example, Jehovah blessed Jacob materially. And just think of how grateful Jacob must have been to Jehovah when he was reunited with Joseph, the son whom he had long thought to be dead! Jacob’s close friendship with Jehovah enabled him to face his trials successfully.
[Quotation] Genesis 30.43: And the man grew very prosperous, and he acquired great flocks and male and female servants and camels and donkeys. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 32.9 and 10: After that Jacob said: “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Jehovah, you who are saying to me, ‘Return to your land and to your relatives, and I will deal well with you,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the loyal love and of all the faithfulness that you have shown toward your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan and now I have become two camps. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 46.28 through 30: Jacob sent Judah ahead to tell Joseph that he was on the way to Goshen. When they came into the land of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot prepared and went up to meet Israel his father at Goshen. When he presented himself to him, he at once embraced him and wept for some time. 30 Then Israel said to Joseph: “Now I am ready to die; I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” [End Quotation]
When we maintain a close friendship with Jehovah, we too can successfully deal with unexpected trials.
Watchtower April 2023 page 15 paragraphs 6 and 7
Today's Bible Chapters: Proverbs Chapter 17 through 19
17.1 Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace Than a house full of feasting along with quarreling.
17.2 A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully; He will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers.
17.3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But Jehovah is the examiner of hearts.
17.4 A wicked man pays attention to hurtful speech, And a deceptive man listens to a malicious tongue.
17.5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, And whoever rejoices over another’s disaster will not go unpunished.
17.6 Grandsons are a crown to the aged, And fathers are the glory of their sons.
17.7 Upright speech does not befit a fool. How much less does false speech befit a ruler!
17.8 A gift is like a precious stone to its owner; Everywhere he turns, it brings him success.
17.9 Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.
17.10 A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times.
17.11 A bad man seeks only rebellion, But a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him.
17.12 Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs Than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness.
17.13 If anyone repays bad for good, Bad will not depart from his house.
17.14 Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave.
17.15 Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one —Both of them are detestable to Jehovah.
17.16 What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom When he has no heart for acquiring it?
17.17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.
17.18 A man lacking good sense shakes hands and agrees To put up security in the presence of his neighbor.
17.19 The one who loves conflict loves transgression. Anyone who makes his entryway high invites a crash.
17.20 The one who is crooked at heart will not find success, And the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin.
17.21 The one who fathers a stupid child will experience grief; And the father of a senseless child has no joy.
17.22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.
17.23 A wicked man will take a bribe in secret To pervert the course of justice.
17.24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, But the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth.
17.25 A stupid son brings grief to his father And heartache to the one who gave birth to him.
17.26 To punish the righteous one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right.
17.27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, And a discerning man will remain calm.
17.28 Even a fool who keeps silent will be considered wise, And the one who seals his lips, discerning.
18.1 Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; He rejects all practical wisdom.
18.2 A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding; He would rather disclose what is in his heart.
18.3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And along with dishonor there is disgrace.
18.4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
18.5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked one Or to deprive the righteous one of justice.
18.6 The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels, And his mouth invites a beating.
18.7 The mouth of the stupid is his ruin, And his lips are a snare for his life.
18.8 The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels; They are gulped right down into the stomach.
18.9 Whoever is lazy in his work Is a brother to the one who causes ruin.
18.10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.
18.11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination.
18.12 Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty, And before glory there is humility.
18.13 When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating.
18.14 A person’s spirit can sustain him through illness, But who can bear a crushed spirit?
18.15 The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks to find knowledge.
18.16 A man’s gift opens the way for him; It gives him access to great people.
18.17 The first to state his case seems right, Until the other party comes and cross-examines him.
18.18 Casting lots puts an end to disputes And decides between strong opponents.
18.19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city, And there are disputes like the bars of a fortress.
18.20 From the fruitage of a man’s speech his stomach will be filled; He will be satisfied with what his lips produce.
18.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love to use it will eat its fruitage.
18.22 The one who finds a good wife has found something good, And he receives Jehovah’s favor.
18.23 The poor man implores when speaking, But the rich man answers harshly.
18.24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
19.1 It is better to be poor and walk in integrity Than to be stupid and speak lies.
19.2 A person without knowledge is not good, And the one who acts rashly is sinning.
19.3 It is a man’s own foolishness that distorts his way, And his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah.
19.4 Wealth attracts many friends, But the poor man will be deserted even by his friend.
19.5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And the one who lies with every breath will not escape.
19.6 Many seek the favor of a noble, And everyone is a friend to the man who gives gifts.
19.7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more he is shunned by his friends! He pursues them with requests, but no one responds.
19.8 Whoever acquires good sense loves himself. Whoever treasures discernment will find success.
19.9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And the one who lies with every breath will perish.
19.10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury; How much less for a servant to rule over princes!
19.11 The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.
19.12 The king’s rage is like the growling of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the vegetation.
19.13 A stupid son brings adversity on his father, And a quarrelsome wife is like a roof that never stops leaking.
19.14 A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, But a discreet wife is from Jehovah.
19.15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, And a sluggish person will go hungry.
19.16 The one who keeps the commandment keeps his life; The one who is reckless about his ways will die.
19.17 The one showing favor to the lowly is lending to Jehovah, And He will repay him for what he does.
19.18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not become responsible for his death.
19.19 The hot-tempered man will pay the penalty; If you try to spare him, you will have to do it again and again.
19.20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, In order to become wise in your future.
19.21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, But the counsel of Jehovah is what will prevail.
19.22 The desirable thing in a man is his loyal love; And it is better to be poor than to be a liar.
19.23 The fear of Jehovah leads to life; The one who has it will have a pleasant rest, free from harm.
19.24 The lazy one buries his hand in the banquet bowl, But he does not even bother to bring it back to his mouth.
19.25 Strike the ridiculer, so that the inexperienced one may become shrewd, And reprove the understanding one, so that he will increase in knowledge.
19.26 The one who mistreats his father and drives away his mother Is a son causing shame and disgrace.
19.27 My son, if you stop listening to discipline, You will stray from the sayings of knowledge.
19.28 A worthless witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
19.29 Judgment is in store for ridiculers, And beatings for the back of the stupid ones.