There is a time to be silent.... and a time to speak. Ecc3:1 | |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 12:05 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 2. Who has the right to set the standards for when and how we should speak? 2 Speech is a gift from Jehovah. (Ex. 4:10, 11; Rev. 4:11) In his Word, he helps us to understand how to use that gift properly. In this article, we will consider Scriptural examples that will help us know when to speak and when to be silent. We will also see how Jehovah feels about what we say to others. First, let us consider when we should speak. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 10:45 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | WHEN SHOULD WE SPEAK? 3. According to Romans 10:14, when should we speak? 3 We should always be ready to speak about Jehovah and the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; read Romans 10:14.) In so doing, we imitate Jesus. One of the main reasons why Jesus came to earth was to tell others the truth about his Father. (John 18:37) But we must remember that how we speak is also important. So when talking to others about Jehovah, we must do so with “a mild temper and deep respect,” and we should show consideration for the other person’s feelings and beliefs. (1 Pet. 3:15) Then we will do more than just talk; we will teach and possibly reach the person’s heart. |
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~Jazz~ Forum Administrator 05/15/2020 11:02 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | To know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders. A rock in bad hands killed Abel. A rock in good hands killed Goliath. It isn't about the rock. A true warrior fights not because he hates the one in front of him, but because he loves those behind him. INTP-A |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 11:09 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Yes as the Teacher said; “Do not give what is holy to dogs nor throw your pearls before swine,f so that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open.g 7 “Keep on asking, and it will be given you;h keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you;i 8 for everyone asking receives,j and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened." Mt7:6 |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 03:31 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 4. In line with Proverbs 9:9, how can our speech help others? 4 Elders should not hesitate to speak up if they see that a brother or a sister needs counsel. Of course, they would choose the right time to speak so that they do not needlessly embarrass the person. They would want to wait until they are in a private setting. Elders always endeavor to speak in a way that preserves the dignity of the listener. Still, they do not hold back from sharing Bible principles that can help others to act wisely. (Read Proverbs 9:9.) Why is it so important that we have the courage to speak up when necessary? Consider two contrasting examples: In one case, a man needed to correct his sons, and in the other, a woman had to confront a future king. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 08:08 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 5. When did High Priest Eli fail to speak up? 5 High Priest Eli had two sons for whom he had deep affection. Those sons, however, had no respect for Jehovah. They held important positions as priests serving at the tabernacle. But they abused their authority, showed gross disrespect for the offerings given to Jehovah, and brazenly committed sexual immorality. (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22) According to the Mosaic Law, Eli’s sons deserved to die, but permissive Eli merely reproved them mildly and allowed them to continue serving at the tabernacle. (Deut. 21:18-21) How did Jehovah view the way that Eli handled matters? He said to Eli: “Why do you keep honoring your sons more than me?” Jehovah then determined to put those two wicked men to death.—1 Sam. 2:29, 34. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/15/2020 11:24 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 6. What do we learn from Eli? 6 We learn an important lesson from Eli. If we find out that a friend or a relative has broken God’s law, we must speak up, reminding him of Jehovah’s standards. Then we must make sure that he gets the help he needs from Jehovah’s representatives. (Jas. 5:14) Never would we want to be like Eli, honoring a friend or a relative more than we honor Jehovah. It takes courage to confront someone who needs to be corrected, but it is worth the effort. Note the contrast between Eli’s example and that of an Israelite woman named Abigail. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/16/2020 12:11 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 7 Abigail was the wife of a wealthy landowner named Nabal. When David and his men were running away from King Saul, they spent some time with Nabal’s shepherds and protected Nabal’s flocks from marauder bands. Was Nabal grateful for their help? No. When asked by David to provide his men with a little food and water, Nabal got angry and screamed abuses at them. (1 Sam. 25:5-8, 10-12, 14) As a result, David determined to kill every man in Nabal’s household. (1 Sam. 25:13, 22) How could such a disaster be avoided? Abigail realized that it was time to speak, so she courageously went to meet the 400 hungry, angry armed men and spoke to David. |
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DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/16/2020 12:40 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 8. What do we learn from Abigail’s example? 8 When Abigail met David, she spoke courageously, respectfully, and persuasively. Even though Abigail was not to blame for the bad situation, she apologized to David. She appealed to his good qualities and relied on Jehovah to help her. (1 Sam. 25:24, 26, 28, 33, 34) Like Abigail, we need to have the courage to speak up if we see someone heading down a dangerous path. (Ps. 141:5) We must be respectful, but we must also be bold. When we lovingly offer a person necessary counsel, we prove that we are a true friend.—Prov. 27:17. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/16/2020 11:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 8. What do we learn from Abigail’s example? 8 When Abigail met David, she spoke courageously, respectfully, and persuasively. Even though Abigail was not to blame for the bad situation, she apologized to David. She appealed to his good qualities and relied on Jehovah to help her. (1 Sam. 25:24, 26, 28, 33, 34) Like Abigail, we need to have the courage to speak up if we see someone heading down a dangerous path. (Ps. 141:5) We must be respectful, but we must also be bold. When we lovingly offer a person necessary counsel, we prove that we are a true friend.—Prov. 27:17. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/17/2020 10:49 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 9-10. What should elders remember when counseling others? 9 Elders in particular must have the courage to speak to those in the congregation who take a false step. (Gal. 6:1) Elders humbly realize that they too are imperfect and may one day need counsel. But elders do not let that hold them back from reproving those who need discipline. (2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9) When counseling a person, they try to use their gift of speech to teach him skillfully and patiently. They love their brother, and that love moves them to action. (Prov. 13:24) But their primary concern is to honor Jehovah by upholding his standards and protecting the congregation from harm.—Acts 20:28. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/17/2020 01:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 10 Up to this point, we have considered when to speak up. However, there are times when it is best for us to say nothing at all. What challenges might we face in those situations? |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/18/2020 10:32 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | WHEN SHOULD WE BE SILENT? 11. What illustration did James use, and why is it appropriate? 11 It can be difficult to control our speech. The Bible writer James used an appropriate illustration to describe the challenge. He said: “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle also his whole body.” (Jas. 3:2, 3) A bridle is put on the head and a bit is put into the mouth of a horse. By pulling on the reins, a rider can guide the animal or bring it to a halt. If the rider loses control of the reins, the horse can run wild and cause harm to itself and the rider. Similarly, if we fail to control our speech, it can cause a lot of damage. Let us consider some occasions when we need to “pull on the reins” and hold back from speaking. |
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DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/18/2020 10:55 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | good... no go fill out you time slip and close your mind to everything you know deep down in your heart that is false... Quoting: Anonymous Coward 77843162 Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. 3 But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world. 1Ti4:1 |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/18/2020 05:35 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 12. When should we “pull on the reins” and hold back from speaking? 12 How do you react when a brother or a sister has information that should be viewed as confidential? For example, if you meet someone who lives in a land where our work is banned, are you tempted to ask him to give details about how our work is carried out in that country? No doubt your motives are good. We love our brothers and are interested in what is happening to them. We also want to be specific when praying for them. However, this is a time when we should “pull on the reins” and hold back from speaking. If we put pressure on someone who has confidential information, we show a lack of love—both to that person and to the brothers and sisters who are relying on him to keep quiet about their activity. Certainly, none of us would want to add to the difficulties of our brothers and sisters who live in countries where our work is under ban. Similarly, no brother or sister serving in such a land would want to reveal details about how Witnesses living there conduct their ministry or Christian activities. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/18/2020 09:30 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | good... no go fill out you time slip and close your mind to everything you know deep down in your heart that is false... Quoting: Anonymous Coward 77843162 Time better spent acquiring your surpassing wisdom, solution, I'll be quite and listen since you seem to have mastered that. Last Edited by DGN on 05/18/2020 09:50 PM |
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DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/19/2020 10:44 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 13. As stated at Proverbs 11:13, what must elders do, and why? 13 Elders in particular must apply the Bible principle recorded at Proverbs 11:13 by keeping matters confidential. (Read.) This can be a challenge, especially if an elder is married. A married couple keep their relationship strong by talking often to each other and by sharing their intimate thoughts, feelings, and anxieties. But an elder realizes that he must not reveal the “confidential talk” of those in the congregation. If he did, he would lose their trust and ruin his reputation. Those who are appointed to a position of trust in the congregation cannot be “double-tongued,” or deceitful. (1 Tim. 3:8; ftn.) That is, they cannot be devious or inclined to gossip. If an elder loves his wife, he will not burden her with information that she does not need to know. |
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DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/19/2020 08:10 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 10 Up to this point, we have considered when to speak up. However, there are times when it is best for us to say nothing at all. What challenges might we face in those situations? Quoting: DGN Letting the other person have the last word, even though wrong to defuse a dead end debate? What happens when we get the last word because we're right, is the other person benefited or alienated? |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 78932567 United States 05/19/2020 08:11 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 10 Up to this point, we have considered when to speak up. However, there are times when it is best for us to say nothing at all. What challenges might we face in those situations? Quoting: DGN Letting the other person have the last word, even though wrong to defuse a dead end debate? What happens when we get the last word because we're right, is the other person benefited or alienated? I don't care about last words, I only want to steal your favorite Coca Cola hoodie. |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/19/2020 08:18 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 10 Up to this point, we have considered when to speak up. However, there are times when it is best for us to say nothing at all. What challenges might we face in those situations? Quoting: DGN Letting the other person have the last word, even though wrong to defuse a dead end debate? What happens when we get the last word because we're right, is the other person benefited or alienated? I don't care about last words, I only want to steal your favorite Coca Cola hoodie. Oh suuuure fat chance of that, like trying to steal a treat from Willie Wonkabat's Chocolate Factory Last Edited by DGN on 05/19/2020 08:37 PM |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 78932567 United States 05/19/2020 08:19 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: DGN Letting the other person have the last word, even though wrong to defuse a dead end debate? What happens when we get the last word because we're right, is the other person benefited or alienated? I don't care about last words, I only want to steal your favorite Coca Cola hoodie. Oh suuuurefat chance of that, like trying to steal a treat from Charlie's Chocolate Factory Do you want to be vice president? |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/19/2020 08:23 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: DGN What happens when we get the last word because we're right, is the other person benefited or alienated? I don't care about last words, I only want to steal your favorite Coca Cola hoodie. Oh suuuurefat chance of that, like trying to steal a treat from Charlie's Chocolate Factory Do you want to be vice president? Do I have to have a solution or is it an anything goes deal? I noticed ya don't have to actually be able to finish a sentence for that. Last Edited by DGN on 05/19/2020 08:24 PM |
DGN (OP) User ID: 76673672 United States 05/19/2020 08:41 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | good... no go fill out you time slip and close your mind to everything you know deep down in your heart that is false... Quoting: Anonymous Coward 77843162 Deep down in your heart is this true or false? The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? 10 I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works. Jer17:9 |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 78730179 United States 05/19/2020 08:44 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: Anonymous Coward 78932567 I don't care about last words, I only want to steal your favorite Coca Cola hoodie. Oh suuuurefat chance of that, like trying to steal a treat from Charlie's Chocolate Factory Do you want to be vice president? Do I have to have a solution or is it an anything goes deal? I noticed ya don't have to actually be able to finish a sentence for that. Julie, we must keep this a professional relationship, enough dirty talk. |