The Watchtower Study, «Article 7», Week April 11-17, 2022, “Hear the words of the wise”, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 7”, April 11-17, 2022, “Hear the words of the wise”, Answers.

1. a) Why might someone advise us? 

We all need advice, when receiving advice we must take it into account since what they tell us is because of something we have done wrong. We could ask for advice when we need it. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It may be that we ask for advice, it may be that someone corrects us before taking a false step. Let's get advice after making a serious mistake.

We all need advice from time to time. Sometimes, we are the ones who ask someone we respect for advice. In other cases, a brother may be worried about us and make us see that we are about to take a “false step”, that is, about to do something that we would later regret

Perhaps they advise us because we ourselves have asked for advice. But it can also be that someone advises us because he cares about us and wants to prevent us from doing something that we may later regret. 

b) Why is it important to listen to advice?

They are for our good and can save our lives.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is important because thanks to them we can reflect on what we have done or what we are going to do. If someone gives us the support of advising us, it is because they have already been through something like this, or are aware of such cases.

It is important because they are for our good and can save our lives. This is detailed very well in Proverb 6:23 where it says that “the corrections of discipline are the path that leads to life.

We must listen to the advice, because it is for our good and can save our lives.

Because the commandments are a lamp, and the law is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the path that leads to life.

2. According to Proverbs 12:15, why should we listen to advice?

By listening to someone's advice we are not only showing that we are humble but also that we are becoming aware of the actions we have carried out since whoever gives it to us does not say it because they want to but because they have knowledge of all of it.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

They are for our good and can save our lives. No one knows everything in this life. There will always be someone who has more knowledge or experience than us. By listening to advice we show that we are humble and that we need help to achieve our goals.

As we have read, if we listen and accept the advice we will prove to be wise. We must recognize that we do not know everything in life, so if we listen to advice we also show humility, that we know our limitations and that we realize that we need help.

No one knows everything in this life; there is always someone who has more knowledge or experience than us.

So when we listen to advice, we show that we are humble, that we are aware of our limitations and that we realize that we need help to achieve our goals.

ILLUSTRATION:

Images of a brother meditating on the different ways in which he can receive advice. An open Bible above him points to ways he can receive indirect advice or direct advice. 1. Indirect advice: the brother listens in a congregation meeting; read the Bible; watch a JW Broadcasting show; study a post. 2. Direct advice: the brother listens to another brother talking to him while showing him something on his tablet; two brothers pay him a shepherding visit.

Which of these two types of advice is more difficult for you to accept? (See paragraphs 3 and 4).

3. In what ways can advice come to us?

It can reach us in two ways, either directly or indirectly. We refer directly when a person with greater knowledge than us gives it to us, implying that we may be failing, and indirectly, when we read the Bible or some text that makes us reflect on the things we are doing, because of this we motivates to improve these aspects.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Advice can come to us directly or indirectly.

Indirect: What we receive when we read something in the Bible or in one of our publications that makes us reflect on how we are doing things and motivates us to make the necessary changes.

Direct: It can be the one given to us by an elder or any other mature brother when he realizes that we have to improve on something. If someone gives us advice based on the Bible, he shows that he loves us very much.

Indirectly when we read the Bible or some biblical publication. Or directly when some elderly or mature Christian realizes that we need to improve, that shows that they love us very much.

One way to receive advice is indirectly, that is, the advice we receive when we read something in the Bible or in a publication that makes us reflect and motivates us to make the necessary changes.

And we can also receive direct advice. This can be through an elder or a mature brother who realizes something that we need to improve, and it will always be based on the Bible.

4. According to Ecclesiastes 7:9, what reaction should we avoid when receiving advice?

It may be difficult for us to accept it or even take offense. It is also possible to make excuses for our actions or thoughts. Or we can question the right of who advises us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We have no problem acknowledging that we are imperfect. But, when someone points out a defect or a specific error, we may have a hard time accepting it, even getting angry.

We may make excuses, question the motivation of the person who gave us the advice, or take offense at the way they spoke to us. Furthermore, if we don't like the advice, we may ignore it or talk to someone else expecting them to tell us what we want to hear.

We must avoid negative reactions towards the people who advise us, to be honest, most of them do not like to be told their defects directly since this makes us feel uncomfortable and we start to think, are we not human and are we wrong? Or why does he/she tell me that, if he/she is also wrong? Or we simply make a thousand excuses at all times, until we reach the point of ignoring that person and only wanting to hear what we really want to hear.

We must avoid what we just read in Ecclesiastes, getting angry easily. We may find it difficult to accept the advice and make excuses or take offense at the way the brother spoke to us. But if we do this we would be acting like fools.

5. What will we see in this article?

In this article we will see and analyze certain biblical characters who did not want to listen to the advice and those who did. We will also see how this can help us take and accept that advice.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In this article, we will analyze the example of some biblical characters who rejected advice and others who accepted it.

We will also see what can help us to accept the advice and how it benefits us to do so.

Various examples of biblical characters who rejected advice and others who accepted it. We will also see suggestions that will help us accept the advice and the benefits of practicing it.

We are going to analyze the example of some biblical characters who rejected the advice they were given and others who did accept it. And we will see what can help us to accept them willingly and how it benefits us to do so.

REJECTED ADVICE

6. What does Rehoboam's example teach us?

What we should pay attention to those who have more experience in the spiritual aspect. Sometimes the advice we receive may be that which we do not like so much, but it may be that which is based on the Bible and we must accept it.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When Rehoboam had become the king of Israel, the people asked him to relieve them of the burden that his father, Solomon, had imposed on them, Rehoboam did a good thing which was to ask the elders of Israel about it, they told him that if he did what the people wanted they would respect more and win their support, but he did not like that advice from them in such a way that he went to consult with those men with whom he had grown up, but on that occasion they advised him wrong, telling him no and be harder with them, on that occasion Rehoboam could have prayed to Jehovah asking which of the two pieces of advice was better, but he made the decision that he liked the most, which was that of the young men, that decision was very disastrous for both the people and the king,The advice will not always be what we really want to hear, but if it is based on what the Bible says, we must take it into account.

Rehoboam received two different pieces of advice. He could have prayed to ask Jehovah which of the two he should follow, but he did not do that. He accepted the advice he liked best: that of the younger men. And the consequences were disastrous for both the king and the people. In our case, the advice we receive may not always be what we want to hear. But, if they are based on what the Bible says, we must accept them.

The people asked Rehoboam to ease the burdens their father Solomon had placed on them. So Rehoboam did a good thing: he took the initiative to seek advice from the elders, who told him to do what the people asked. But Rehoboam didn't like the advice and he went to ask younger men for advice, who told him to be tougher on the people. And in the end Rehoboam listened to the advice of the latter. This teaches us that even if we are given advice that we don't want to hear, if it is based on the Bible, we should accept it.

And it is also interesting that, it is normal that if they give us two different or contradictory advice, we doubt which one to pay attention to. But for that we have Jehovah. If Rehoboam had asked Jehovah for help in prayer, he would have helped him to see what advice he should follow. This teaches us that we must always keep Jehovah in mind in our decisions.

7. What do we learn from what happened to Uzziah?

We learn that if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We may believe that we have enough authority to do what we see fit. We must be humble and accept advice no matter who we are.

The Bible says that "he was furious." And why did he reject the advice? It is likely that, being the king, he believed that he could do whatever he wanted. But Jehovah did not see it that way. Had Uzziah been humble, accepted the advice, and left the temple immediately, Jehovah might have forgiven him.

But because of his boldness Jehovah struck him with leprosy, and he had that disease “until the day of his death.” What do we learn from what happened to Uzziah? That if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval, no matter who we are.

Uzziah entered an area of ​​the temple where only the priests had access. So they told him that he couldn't be there burning incense. And instead of accepting the advice, he was furious. It was thought that because he was a king he could do whatever he wanted. Then this angered Jehovah and he struck him with leprosy. This teaches us that if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose God's approval, as happened to Uzziah.

THE ADVICE WAS ACCEPTED

8. How did Job react when advised?

Job was humble and accepted the advice. He said, "I spoke without understanding."

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He received direct advice from a young man named Elihu and from Jehovah. He was humble and accepted the advice.

Job recognized that he was wrong to say things that were not right. Therefore, when he received direct advice from Elihu and Jehovah, he was humble and accepted that advice. In Job 42:6 we see that he went so far as to say "I repent in dust and ashes." And Jehovah saw his heart and blessed him for acting with this humility.

He was humble and accepted advice. He said, "I spoke without understanding." And he added: "I take back what I said and repent in dust and ashes." Jehovah blessed Job for being humble.

9. How did Moses react when Jehovah corrected him, and why is he a good example for us?

Instead of becoming bitter, Moses accepted this decision, and Jehovah continued to use him as leader of the nation of Israel. He is a good example for us because he showed that he accepted Jehovah's correction by faithfully serving him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Although he was disappointed by the decision, he accepted it and continued to be used as the leader of the nation of Israel. He accepted the correction and continued to serve faithfully even after losing the opportunity to live in the Promised Land.

When Moses expressed to Jehovah how disappointed he was with that decision, Jehovah told him: “Never bring it up with me again.” Instead of becoming bitter, Moses accepted this decision, and Jehovah continued to use him as the leader of the nation of Israel.

Moses was very disappointed in missing out on the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. But he was not bitter, but accepted the decision and Jehovah continued to use him to guide his people.

And it is a good example for us because despite having lost something as valuable as entering the Promised Land, Moses continued to serve Jehovah. We too must demonstrate this kind of humility and not justify ourselves for something we have done wrong, but continue to serve Jehovah faithfully and accept his guidance.

10. a) According to Proverbs 4:10-13, how does accepting advice benefit us?

When we humbly accept advice, it is most likely that everything will go well for us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We will become wise as long as we make good decisions that will allow us to lengthen our current and future years of life.

If we imitate the example of faithful men like Job and Moses, we will do well.

As we have read, if we accept the advice “the years of your life will be many”. That is, if we allow ourselves to be guided by the wisdom and advice of the Bible, we will do well and avoid many problems.

b) What good attitude have some brothers shown?

For example, Emmanuel received advice from some brothers, since they realized that Emmanuel was about to shipwreck in a spiritual sense. That is why they went to advise him, and Emmanuel accepted the advice and applied it, thus avoiding many problems.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A pioneer from Canada named Megan confesses, “The advice I've received hasn't always been what I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to hear.

A brother from the Congo relates that since the brothers saw that he was drifting spiritually, they decided to advise him, and he accepted their advice. And thanks to that he avoided many problems.

Another sister comments that while she didn't want to hear some advice, it really was what she needed to hear. And another brother from Croatia mentions that although he lost a privilege of service, the advice they gave him helped him regain his balance spiritually.

Emmanuel comments: “Some mature brothers in my congregation realized that I was about to shipwreck spiritually and they came to help me. I followed his advice, and thanks to that I have avoided many problems”.

Megan confesses, "The advice I've received hasn't always been what I wanted to hear, but it was always what I needed to hear."

Marko says, “I lost a privilege of service, but I recognize that the advice they gave me helped me regain my balance spiritually.”

11. What did Brother Karl Klein realize?

He realized that when we hold a grudge against a brother, especially for saying something he has a right to say, we expose ourselves to the Devil's snares. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Brother Klein acknowledged that he did not react very well at first. He explained: “The next time [Brother Rutherford] saw me, he said in a cheerful voice, 'Hey, Karl!' But because I was still feeling hurt, I just greeted him under my breath. To this he replied: 'Karl, watch out! The Devil wants to trap you!' I was embarrassed, and I said, 'Oh, it's all right, Brother Rutherford.' But he knew that wasn't true, so he repeated the warning: 'It's okay. Just be careful. The Devil wants to trap you.' How right he was!

When we hold a grudge against a brother for saying something he has the right to say, we expose ourselves to the Devil's traps.

Brother Klein, who was a member of the governing body, recounts the time he received advice from Brother Rutherford. At first he didn't take it well, and when he saw Brother Rutherford again, he greeted him with some apathy because he was still bitter. Then Brother Rutherford, who realized this, told Brother Klein to be careful because the Devil wanted to trap him. He repeated it twice. This made Brother Klein realize that when we hold a grudge against others, we expose ourselves to the Devil's snares.

WHAT WILL HELP US ACCEPT ADVICE?

12. How does humility help us to accept advice? (Psalm 141:5).

Humility helps us accept advice because it reminds us that we are not perfect and also reminds us how foolish we sometimes are.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This quality reminds us of how imperfect we are and how foolish we can be at times. As we have seen, Job had a wrong way of thinking, but he later corrected it. He was humble and accepted Elihu's advice even though he was a much younger man than him. Jehovah blessed Job for being humble. Humility also helps us to follow advice, even when we think we don't need it or when the person giving us advice is younger than us.

This quality reminds us that we are imperfect and sometimes foolish. In addition, it helps us to accept advice even if it comes from someone younger than us.

It helps us because humility makes us remember that we are imperfect, and sometimes foolish. In addition, humility will help us accept the advice that others give us, even if we think we don't need it.

13. How should we view the advice we receive?

When we receive advice we must see it as a great sign of God's love.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's see advice as a sign of God's love.

When he gives us advice through his Word, a Bible publication, or a mature brother, he shows us that he loves us.

Like the love that Jehovah has shown us through his Word, Bible publication or a mature brother.

Let's see advice as a sign of God's love. In Proverbs 4:20 he tells us to "pay attention and listen carefully to his words." He shows us his love through the advice of a brother, the Bible or a publication.

14. What should we focus on when giving us advice?

We should focus on what they tell us when they give us advice, we should not focus on how they tell us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's focus on what they tell us, not how they tell us. Sometimes, it may seem to us that the person who gave us advice did not do it in the best way. Of course, the one who gives advice should make an effort to give it in such a way that it is easy to accept.

We might ask ourselves, “Even though I don't like the way the person gave me the advice, is there a point? Can I overlook his shortcomings and benefit from what he told me? It would be good if we found a way to take advantage of any advice they give us.

We must focus on the message, not on the way it was told to us. We must ask ourselves: “Is he right? Can I overlook his shortcomings and benefit from what he told me?

We must focus on the message, not on how it is told to us. Perhaps the brother or sister did not know how to express himself in the best way or was somewhat abrupt in his words, but it is best to focus on the message and try to find a way to take advantage of the advice they have given us. Thus, as Proverbs 15:31 says, we will prove "to be wise."

ASKING FOR ADVICE BRINGS BENEFITS

15. Why is it good for us to ask for advice?

Because when we ask for advice, we progress spiritually.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Bible encourages us to seek advice. Proverbs 13:10 says, "Wisdom accompanies those who ask advice." And what a great truth that is! Those who ask for advice instead of waiting for it often make more progress spiritually.

This allows us to progress further in a spiritual sense.

The Bible itself tells us in Proverbs 13:10 that "wisdom accompanies those who seek advice." So if we take the initiative to seek advice, we will be wiser and progress faster spiritually.

ILLUSTRATION:

Series of images: 1. A young sister shopping online. She is noticing a revealing blouse and tight pants. 2. The young sister shows a mature sister what she would like to buy.

Why does this young sister ask a mature sister for advice? (See paragraph 16).

16. In what situations could we ask for advice?

In many situations, for example: When we go to teach a class, we can ask an  experienced publisher to accompany us so that they can advise us on what we can improve. Also, we can ask a brother to accompany us to buy clothes so that he can give us his opinion of what we are buying.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A sister asks an experienced publisher to go with her to teach a class and then asks what she can do better.

A single sister wants to buy some pants, so she asks a mature sister to give her honest opinion on the ones she has chosen.

A brother has his first public talk in the congregation and asks an experienced speaker to listen carefully when he introduces it and then give him some suggestions.

To improve in the way of giving Bible classes. In choosing appropriate clothing. In asking for suggestions for his first public address to the congregation.

The first situation mentioned in the paragraph is, for example, when a sister asks an experienced publisher to accompany her to teach a Bible course, and then humbly asks him at the end what he thinks he can improve.

The second situation, as can also be seen in the image, is when a single sister wants to buy some pants and asks another more mature sister for an opinion to see what she thinks about that garment.

And the third situation is a brother who has his first public talk in the congregation and asks an experienced speaker to listen carefully and give him some suggestions. In addition, brothers who have been speaking for many years can also ask others for advice.

17. What must we do to benefit from advice?

To benefit from the advice we must be humble, focus on everything they tell us, and put into practice the advice that our brothers give us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When that happens, let's remember what we have seen in this article: let's be humble, let's focus on what they tell us not on how they tell us and put it into practice. No one is born wise. But if we listen to advice and accept discipline, the Bible promises that we will become wise.

We must be humble and accept advice without focusing on how they say it. We need to accept help to be wise.

To get the most benefit from a council, we must be humble, focus on the message that they tell us, not on how they tell us, and put it into practice. In this way we will be wise.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What do we learn from biblical characters who rejected advice?

We learn that the advice we receive may not always be what we want to hear. But, if they are based on what the Bible says, we must accept them. If we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval, no matter who we are.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We don't want to choose the advice we want to hear, nor do we want to abuse our authority by rejecting advice we need to hear and put into practice.

We learn what not to do. We should not make excuses for something we have done wrong or be easily offended. Even if we don't like the advice, if it is based on the Bible, we should accept it. Furthermore, if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose God's approval.

Because of their pride, arrogance, things went very badly in their lives, they and their loved ones got into trouble. It was the ruin of some.

Some sought only the advice they wanted to hear, with disastrous consequences.

Uzziah, being the king, thought he could do whatever he wanted. But Jehovah did not see it that way. Had Uzziah been humble, accepted the advice, and left the temple immediately, Jehovah might have forgiven him. But because of his boldness Jehovah struck him with leprosy, and he had that disease “until the day of his death.” What do we learn from what happened to Uzziah? That if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval, no matter who we are.

What do we learn from the biblical characters who accepted the advice?

That we have to be humble and accept the advice they give us. Job and Moses are good examples for us. Job changed his way of seeing things and did not try to justify himself. And Moses showed that he accepted Jehovah's correction by serving him faithfully even after losing something very precious to him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We want to be humble and acknowledge our mistakes and accept advice even if it comes from someone younger than us. Also, accept correction and continue to serve God faithfully.

We learn to be humble and accept advice. And although we may have lost some responsibility, let us not be discouraged, but accept the correction and continue to serve Jehovah loyally.

In the Bible, we also find examples of people who took advice, and God blessed them for it.

Job and Moses are good examples for us. Job changed his way of seeing things and did not try to justify himself. And Moses showed that he accepted Jehovah's correction by serving him faithfully even after losing something very precious to him.

Marko says, "I lost a privilege of service, but I recognize that the advice they gave me helped me regain my balance spiritually."

Brother Klein accepted Brother Rutherford's advice, and they remained very good friends.

What will help us accept advice?

Humility will help us accept advice. This quality reminds us how imperfect we are and how foolish we can be at times. We have to see the advice as a sign of God's love.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Be humble, accept the advice no matter how they tell us to put it into practice.

It will help us to be humble, to see advice as a sign of God's love for us, and to focus on what it says, not how it is said. And it would also be good to take the initiative to seek such advice.

Let's see advice as a sign of God's love. Jehovah wants the best for us.

Let's focus on what they tell us, not how they tell us. Sometimes, it may seem to us that the person who gave us advice did not do it in the best way. Of course, the one who gives advice should make an effort to give it in such a way that it is easy to accept.