DAILY TEXT, Today Monday, February 17, 2025, The insight of a man restrains his fury (Prov. 19:11).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025

Monday February 17, 2025

A man's insight restrains his fury (Prov. 19:11).

Insight can help us be peaceful. The insightful person knows how to control himself when someone questions his beliefs. Let's take an example. When we see an iceberg, we only see the tip; the largest part is hidden under the water. The same thing can happen when someone asks us a question; Many times we do not know the real reason why he did it to us. Therefore, before responding, it is good to remember that we may not know why the person brought up the topic (Prov. 16:23). Let's think about Gideon. On one occasion, the men of Ephraim angrily reproached him for not inviting them to go with him to fight against Israel's enemies. What was hidden behind those reproaches? Could it be that their pride was hurt? In any case, Gideon was insightful, respected their feelings, and responded to them mildly. What was the result? “When he spoke to them thus, they became calm” (Judges 8:1-3). w23.09 16 paras. 8, 9.

How did Gideon show that he was insightful and gentle?

Let's think about Gideon. On one occasion, the men of Ephraim angrily reproached him for not inviting them to go with him to fight against Israel's enemies. What was hidden behind those reproaches? Could it be that their pride was hurt? In any case, Gideon was insightful, respected their feelings, and responded to them mildly. What was the result? “When he spoke to them thus, they became calm” (Judges 8:1-3).

What can help us react well when we are asked about our beliefs? (1 Peter 3:15).

Maybe a co-worker or classmate asks us where we stand on a moral issue. Sure, we want to defend our beliefs, but we must do so while respecting the other person's point of view (read 1 Peter 3:15). Something that can help us is to see the question as an opportunity to discover what worries the person, and not as an attack or criticism. Regardless of the reason why the person brought up the subject, it is good that we respond in a kind and calm way. That may lead her to question her own opinion. Our goal should always be to treat people with kindness, even if they speak harshly or sarcastically to us (Rom. 12:17).

What is the first thing we should do before responding? Give an example of how that can lead to a pleasant conversation. (See also the image).

Let's imagine that a co-worker asks us why we don't celebrate birthdays. What could we think about before responding? Could it be that you think they're not letting us have a good time? Or are you worried that we will ruin the good work environment? We could start by telling him that we really appreciate that he takes an interest in his colleagues and then assure him that we also like to have a good environment at work. Maybe that will put your mind at ease and open the door to a nice conversation about what the Bible implies about birthdays.

We could do something similar when other controversial topics arise. For example, a classmate may say that Jehovah's Witnesses should change their views on homosexuality. Is he saying that because he has the wrong idea about what the Witnesses believe? Will you have a gay friend or family member? Does he think we hate homosexuals? We may need to reassure him that we care about all people and respect their right to make their own decisions (1 Pet. 2:17).b This may give us a chance to explain why it is good to follow the Bible's rules.

How can you help someone who says believing in God is ridiculous?

If someone who disagrees with our beliefs strongly expresses his opinion, let us not be too hasty and assume that we know what he believes (Titus 3:2). Let's say a classmate tells you that it's ridiculous to believe in God. Would you assume that he believes in evolution and knows a lot about the subject? In fact, he may never have given the matter much thought. Therefore, instead of starting to debate about evolution, it is best to say something that makes him think. Perhaps you could send him a link to a jw.org article or video about creation. He may be willing to watch some more with you later. Talking to him respectfully may encourage him to reconsider his opinion.

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