The Watchtower, August 1, 1977

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The Watchtower — August 1, 1977

Source: jw.org

Contents

The Wisdom of Self-Discipline

A Prophetic Riddle Fulfilled

A Modest Judge Who Wanted to Be Sure

Venezuelans Take Advantage of Jehovah’s Unfailing Treasure

New Watch Tower President Elected

Rendering Sacred Service Whole-souled

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

Insight on the News

Rejoice in Your Service to Jehovah

Translating the Title “God”

Questions From Readers

Is Television Your Baby-Sitter

The Wisdom of Self-Discipline

WHO has not seen a policeman write out a ticket for a car driver who violated some traffic regulation, such as exceeding the speed limit? That might be an instance of a driver’s failing to discipline himself. He may have yielded to the temptation or the impulse to ignore traffic regulations, and so had to be disciplined.

The very laws of cause and effect within our bodies discipline us if we do not discipline ourselves. The inspired writer of Proverbs tells us: “Who has woe? Who has uneasiness? . . . Who has wounds for no reason? Those staying a long time with the wine, those coming in to search out mixed wine.” Without a doubt, one of the main themes of the book of Proverbs is the wisdom of self-discipline.—Prov. 23:29-35.

What is true of individuals can also be applied to whole nations of people. A noted eighteenth-century British statesman once said: “Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.” He made the telling point that “society cannot exist unless a controlling power upon will and appetite be placed somewhere, and the less of it there is within, the more there must be without.” In other words, the less men discipline themselves, the more they need to be disciplined by their governments, in the interest of peace and safety. There have been striking examples of this when people enjoying a democratic form of government became so lawless that they paved the way for a dictatorship to take over. How much wiser for people to exercise self-restraint than to bring on the loss of cherished liberties!

As a modern-day example: In the spring of 1974 certain government agencies threatened to impose rationing and price controls if the people and industry did not exercise restraint. There is no question about the wisdom of the people’s disciplining themselves in this regard so as to avoid government controls.

WHY WE ALL NEED DISCIPLINE

What do we mean by discipline? The noun “discipline” is defined as “training, especially of the mind or character; . . . punishment; chastisement.” And the verb form of the word means “to train; bring to a condition of order and obedience; bring under control.”

Time and again the Bible enlightens us as to why we all need discipline at times. It all goes back to the willful disobedience of our first parents. That is why “the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.” (Gen. 8:21) That is also why King David, when overtaken in serious sins, could plead with Jehovah: “Look! With error I was brought forth with birth pains, and in sin my mother conceived me.”—Ps. 51:5.

Fittingly God’s Word counsels: “Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy; the rod of discipline is what will remove it far from him.” “Do not hold back discipline from the mere boy. In case you beat him with the rod, he will not die. With the rod you yourself should beat him, that you may deliver his very soul from Sheol itself.”—Prov. 22:15; 23:13, 14.

Because of their inherited imperfections, their lack of knowledge and experience, Christians are counseled to accept readily the discipline administered to them by their heavenly Father: “‘Do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, neither give out when you are corrected by him; for whom Jehovah loves he disciplines; in fact, he scourges every one whom he receives as a son.’ . . . We used to have fathers who . . . used to discipline us according to what seemed good to them, but he [Jehovah] does so for our profit that we may partake of his holiness. True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.”—Heb. 12:5-11.

WHY SELF-DISCIPLINE IS WISDOM

Self-discipline is the course of wisdom for it enables one to have a clear conscience. One who disciplines himself by being conscientious and thorough in his work habits, whether the boss is looking or not—yes, and whether anyone else except himself and God will ever know the difference—will have the satisfaction of having a good conscience.—Col. 3:23.

The same is also true in regard to our relations with others. The one who resists the temptation to tell even little lies will have a better conscience than the one who does not scruple against telling falsehoods as the easy way out.—Eph. 4:25.

Surely, the same must be said where sexual morality is concerned. It takes self-discipline not to let the mind dwell on unclean things, to shun pornographic literature, to resist the temptation to flirt or to toy with sexual immorality. But surely it is the course of wisdom, for then one will be able to say as did the apostle Paul: “I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day.”—Acts 23:1.

Jesus recommended the course of self-discipline to us when he said: “If ever your hand makes you stumble, cut it off; it is finer for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go off into Gehenna.” “If your foot makes you stumble,” “if your eye makes you stumble,” do likewise with these members of your body.—Mark 9:43-48.

Each one of us knows what his individual weaknesses are. Others may not appreciate our firmness in a certain matter, but we individually know where we must exercise self-discipline to be pleasing to God. The apostle Paul set a fine example for us, for ‘he pummeled his body and led it as a slave so that after having preached to others he might not become disapproved.’—1 Cor. 9:27.

A Prophetic Riddle Fulfilled

A RIDDLE stimulates thinking and reflection. It can make a far deeper impression on the mind than a mere stating of facts. Evidently, therefore, with a view to having his prophetic word about the royal house of David stand out in the minds of the hearers, the Most High conveyed it through Ezekiel in the form of a riddle.

This riddle is found in Ezekiel chapter 17. We read: “The great eagle, having great wings, with long pinions, full of plumage, which had color variety, came to Lebanon and proceeded to take the treetop of the cedar. He plucked off the very top of its young shoots and came bringing it to the land of Canaan; in a city of traders he placed it. Furthermore, he took some of the seed of the land and put it in a field for seed. As a willow by vast waters, as a willow tree he placed it. And it began to sprout and gradually became a luxuriantly growing vine low in height, inclined to turn its foliage inward; and as for its roots, they gradually came to be under it. And it finally became a vine and produced shoots and sent forth branches.

“And there came to be another great eagle, having great wings, and having large pinions, and, look! this very vine stretched its roots hungrily toward him. And its foliage it thrust out to him in order for him to irrigate it, away from the garden beds where it was planted. Into a good field, by vast waters, it was already transplanted, in order to produce boughs and to bear fruit, to become a majestic vine.”—Ezek. 17:3-8.

Thereafter the following questions are raised about this vine: “Will it have success? Will not someone tear out its very roots and make its very fruit scaly? And must not all its freshly plucked sprouts become dry?” The answer: “It will become dry. Neither by a great arm nor by a multitudinous people will it have to be lifted up from its roots.” Then more questions are brought up and thereafter answered: “And, look! although transplanted, will it have success? Will it not dry up completely, even as when the east wind touches it? In the garden beds of its sprout it will dry up.”—Ezek. 17:9, 10.

Just what did the riddle mean? How was it fulfilled? And of what benefit is this to us today? These are questions that merit an answer.

We are not left to guess about the meaning of the riddle. The inspired explanation is also recorded in the Scriptures. Identifying the “great eagle” that came to “Lebanon,” Ezekiel 17:12 says: “The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and proceeded to take its king and its princes and bring them to himself at Babylon.”

The “king of Babylon,” Nebuchadnezzar, was like a “great eagle” under whose large wings came many subject peoples. This “great eagle” came to “Lebanon,” that is, Jerusalem. On account of its lofty location and buildings of extensive cedarwood construction, Jerusalem could appropriately be referred to as “Lebanon.” Furthermore, the government in the hands of a ruler of the royal line of David at Jerusalem was like a tall cedar. The topmost part of this cedar—representing King Jehoiachin and his princes—Nebuchadnezzar plucked off, taking it into Babylonian exile. In the riddle the taking of it into Babylonian exile is spoken of as a ‘bringing of it to the land of Canaan, a placing of it in a city of traders.’ This is so because centuries earlier the expression “Canaanite” had come to mean “tradesman” or “merchant.” (Compare Job 41:6, where “Canaanites” is rendered “tradesmen.”) As a great commercial center, Babylon was indeed “a city of traders.”

Regarding what Nebuchadnezzar did with “some of the seed,” the explanation continues: “He took one of the royal seed: [Zedekiah, the uncle of King Jehoiachin] and concluded a covenant with him and brought him into an oath; and the foremost men of the land he took away, in order that the kingdom might become low, unable to lift itself up, that by keeping his covenant it might stand.”—Ezek. 17:13.

Thus Nebuchadnezzar planted Zedekiah as a “willow,” making him a vassal king. As such Zedekiah was to be just a local sovereign dependent on Babylon. In the former territory of the kingdom of Judah willows grow as shrubs or small trees. The position of Zedekiah was like such a willow, as compared to the lofty position once occupied by kings of the royal line of David.

Zedekiah was not satisfied with this position. He began looking to another “great eagle” to help him to break free from the Babylonian yoke. Who was this “great eagle”? We are told: “He [Zedekiah] finally rebelled against him [Nebuchadnezzar] in sending his messengers to Egypt, for it to give him horses and a multitudinous people.”—Ezek. 17:15.

As long as Zedekiah remained submissive to Nebuchadnezzar, his kingship was secure. His position was like that of a low-growing luxuriant vine, abundantly supplied with water. But the situation was to change. In turning to another “great eagle,” Egyptian Pharaoh Hophra, Zedekiah was courting disaster. He would incur the rage of the more powerful eagle, King Nebuchadnezzar. Like a searing east wind, the Babylonian forces would come against him, and he would dry up as a vine under the intense heat.

Explaining what was to happen to Zedekiah for his rebellion, the prophetic word says: “In the midst of Babylon he will die. And by a great military force and by a multitudinous congregation Pharaoh will not make him effective in the war.”—Ezek. 17:16, 17.

All that the prophetic riddle indicated befell Zedekiah. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign, the Babylonian armies broke through the walls of Jerusalem. By night Zedekiah and the men of war fled. A Chaldean military force caught up with them in the desert plains of Jericho. Zedekiah was captured and brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. There Zedekiah’s sons were slain before his eyes, after which he was blinded, bound with copper fetters and taken to Babylon, where he died in the house of custody.—2 Ki. 25:2-7; Jer. 52:6-11.

We should not make the mistake of viewing the fulfillment of the prophetic riddle merely as dead history. It was in connection with this riddle that another feature was introduced, one that can be a great blessing for us. We read: “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: ‘I myself will also take and put some of the lofty treetop of the cedar; from the top of its twigs I shall pluck off a tender one and I will myself transplant it upon a high and lofty mountain . . . and it will certainly bear boughs and produce fruit and become a majestic cedar.’”—Ezek. 17:22, 23.

This pointed to the time when an heir of the royal house of David, the Messiah or Christ, Jesus, would rule as king. This one would become like a lofty cedar, exercising worldwide rulership. With prophetic reference to his rule, Psalm 72:7, 8 states: “In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. And he will have subjects from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

We can choose Christ’s rulership even now by heeding his invitation to become his disciples: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:28, 29) Have you acted on that invitation? Doing so is the only way to avoid courting disaster as did King Zedekiah of old.

A Modest Judge Who Wanted to Be Sure

IT HAPPENED during the thirteenth century B.C.E., about 200 years after the death of Moses’ successor, Joshua. The location was the valley of Jezreel in the northern portion of the land that God had promised to the Israelites.

What occurred back there that is of interest to us today? One of Israel’s judges with an army of only 300 men routed an enemy force that amounted to about 135,000.

How could such a thing take place? An important factor was the determination of this judge to be sure that God was backing him up.

The Biblical record of this amazing event is found in the book of Judges, chapters 6 through 8, which begins: “Then the sons of Israel began to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah. So Jehovah gave them into the hand of Midian for seven years. And the hand of Midian came to prevail over Israel.” (Judg. 6:1, 2) If Israel would sow seed, the Midianites and other marauders “would camp against them and would ruin the yield of the earth all the way to Gaza, and they would not let any sustenance or sheep or bull or ass remain in Israel.”—Judg. 6:4.

GOD CHOOSES “THE SMALLEST”

In desperation, Israel “called to Jehovah for aid on account of Midian.” (Judg. 6:7) Therefore, God raised up as judge and deliverer a man of the family of Abiezer (a subdivision of the tribe of Manasseh), namely, Gideon the son of Joash. While Gideon was secretly threshing out grain in a winepress, so as not to be seen by the enemy, an angel appeared to him, saying: “Jehovah is with you, you valiant, mighty one.” Surprised, he asked how it could be that God was with Israel, seeing that they were in such dire straits. “Upon that Jehovah [by his angel] faced him and said: ‘Go in this power of yours, and you will certainly save Israel out of Midian’s palm. Do I not send you?’”—Judg. 6:11-14.

Gideon’s response to this commission from God reveals a modest disposition. He replied: “Excuse me, Jehovah. With what shall I save Israel? Look! My thousand is the least in Manasseh, and I am the smallest in my father’s house.” However, God assured him: “Because I shall prove to be with you, and you will certainly strike down Midian as if one man.”—Judg. 6:15, 16.

Gideon, nevertheless, was aware of the difficulties involved in doing battle with Midian and any nations that might join them. He therefore requested a “sign” so as to be sure that this commission was really from God. He brought a gift of meat, unfermented cakes and broth, placed the items on a big rock and poured out the broth. The angelic messenger touched the meat and the unfermented cakes with his staff. Fire began to ascend out of the rock and to consume the offering, whereupon the messenger vanished. “Consequently Gideon realized that it was Jehovah’s angel.”—Judg. 6:17-22.

That night Jehovah put his chosen judge to the test. God commanded him to tear down his father’s altar to the god Baal, to cut down the sacred pole alongside it, to build in its place an altar to Jehovah and to offer upon it his father Joash’s young bull of seven years (evidently a bull considered sacred to Baal). The sacred pole was to serve as firewood. Courageously, Gideon accepted this assignment. But, showing caution, he carried it out by night.—Judg. 6:25-27.

When the men of the city got up the next day and saw what had happened, they demanded Gideon’s life. However, his father, Joash, intervened, arguing that if Baal were truly a god, he should make his own defense.—Judg. 6:28-32.

UNUSUAL BATTLE PREPARATIONS

The Bible account next relates that “all Midian and Amalek and the Easterners gathered together as one and proceeded to cross over and camp in the low plain of Jezreel.” Then Jehovah’s spirit enveloped Gideon. He assembled the Abiezrites for battle, and also sent messengers throughout Manasseh and to Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, urging men to join him. (Judg. 6:33-35) Those who rallied to his side numbered 32,000. Those in the enemy camp, however, amounted to about 135,000, outnumbering Israel 4 to 1.

At this point Gideon requested that God perform two miracles, once again for him to be sure that God would back up the move against Midian. He asked that a fleece left overnight on a threshing floor be soaked with dew while the floor surrounding it was dry, and on the following night that the fleece be dry, though the floor was wet. God granted both of these requests.—Judg. 6:36-40.

When Gideon and his forces set up camp in preparation for meeting the enemy, Jehovah gave an unexpected command: “The people who are with you are too many for me to give Midian into their hand. Perhaps Israel would brag about itself against me, saying, ‘My hand it was that saved me.’ And now call out, please, in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Who is there afraid and trembling? Let him retire.’” Obediently, Gideon put them to the test. And the result? “With that, twenty-two thousand of the people retired, and there were ten thousand that remained.” (Judg. 7:2, 3) The odds against Israel suddenly rose to 13 to 1.

Next, Jehovah instructed Gideon to lead the remaining ten thousand men down to the water for further testing. The majority let down their guard, and greedily got down on their knees to drink. However, 300 of the men remained alert, bending down only enough to scoop water to their mouths by hand. God then said: “By the three hundred . . . I shall save you people, and I will give Midian into your hand.” (Judg. 7:4-7) This made the odds against Israel 450 to 1.

God told Gideon that, if afraid, he along with an attendant should scout out the enemy camp by night. He did this, and he overheard a man relating a dream to his companion. The man had dreamed of a round cake of barley bread tumbling into the camp of Midian and flattening one of their tents. The companion exclaimed: “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel. The true God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand.”—Judg. 7:9-14.

Strengthened, Gideon returned to the camp of Israel and organized his move against the enemy. But how could a group of 300 succeed against about 135,000?

“JEHOVAH’S SWORD AND GIDEON’S!”

The cautious judge arranged his forces into three bands of a hundred each. This made it possible to approach the enemy from three sides. He gave each individual a horn, a large earthenware jar and a torch inside the jar, explaining: “When I have blown the horn, I and all who are with me, you also must blow the horns, you too, round about all the camp, and you must say, ‘Jehovah’s and Gideon’s!’” (Judg. 7:16-18) How did this strategy work out? The Scriptural account goes on to relate:

“In time Gideon came with the hundred men who were with him to the edge of the camp at the start of the middle night watch. They had just got through posting the sentries. And they proceeded to blow the horns, and there was a dashing to pieces of the large water jars that were in their hands. At that the three bands blew the horns and shattered the large jars and took fresh hold on the torches with their left hand and with their right hand on the horns to blow them, and they began calling out: ‘Jehovah’s sword and Gideon’s!’ All the while they kept standing each one in his place all around the camp, and the whole camp got on the run and broke out into shouting and went fleeing. And the three hundred continued to blow the horns, and Jehovah proceeded to set the sword of each one against the other in all the camp; and the camp kept up their flight as far as Beth-shittah, on to Zererah, as far as the outskirts of Abel-meholah by Tabbath.”—Judg. 7:19-22.

Devastating indeed was the effect of this strategy! The horn blowing, jar smashing, hoisting of torches and shouting evidently made the Midianites believe that they were surrounded by a huge military force. Likely they viewed each torch as representing, not a single individual, but a whole band of soldiers. Panic stricken, they took to flight, even turning “the sword of each one against the other” among their own people.

Determined to achieve a total rout of the enemy, Gideon now called for help from the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Naphtali and Ephraim. These swooped down upon the fleeing Midianites, cutting off their escape routes. Men of Ephraim captured and executed Oreb and Zeeb, Midian’s two princes.—Judg. 7:23-25.

Then something happened that once again displays Gideon’s fine disposition. We read: “The men of Ephraim said to him: ‘What sort of thing is this that you have done to us in not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?’ And they vehemently tried to pick a quarrel with him.” The valiant judge, however, responded with commendable modesty: “What now have I done in comparison with you? . . . It was into your hand that God gave Midian’s princes Oreb and Zeeb, and what have I been able to do in comparison with you?” This mild response averted further quarreling.—Judg. 8:1-3; Prov. 15:1.

Though tired, this courageous judge, along with his three hundred men, crossed the Jordan in pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. En route Gideon requested food from the men of Succoth, but the princes of Succoth refused, saying: “Are the palms of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand so that bread has to be given to your army?” The same thing happened at the city of Penuel.—Judg. 8:4-9.

In spite of their hardships, Gideon and his men kept up the chase. They finally located Zebah and Zalmunna, along with the remaining 15,000 of their men. Once again this divinely appointed judge demonstrated caution, for he “began to strike the camp while the camp happened to be off guard.” (Judg. 8:10, 11) Zebah and Zalmunna fled, but were captured and put to death by Gideon.—Judg. 8:12, 18-21.

So appreciative were the men of Israel for Gideon’s complete victory that they asked him to establish a ruling dynasty over them. But he desired none of the pomp and creature worship that go with man-made royalty. “I myself shall not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. Jehovah is the one who will rule over you.”—Judg. 8:22, 23.

Gideon then asked for contributions of gold jewelry that had been taken as spoils. From this he made a costly ephod, or priestly garment, perhaps adorned with precious stones. Likely he had a good motive in doing this, perhaps viewing the ephod as a memorial of the conquest of Midian. However, it proved to be a stumbling block, for “all Israel began to have immoral intercourse with it [the ephod] there, so that it served as a snare to Gideon and to his household.” (Judg. 8:27) Apparently the Israelites used the costly garment in some type of false worship.

VALUABLE LESSONS FOR TODAY

The Bible account concerning Gideon contains valuable lessons for persons living today. Consider, for example, his caution. Did you note how this judge repeatedly sought miraculous evidence that God was backing him up? This was no indication of lack of faith. It took great faith to show willingness to do battle at odds of 4 to 1, not to mention their increasing to 13 to 1 and, finally, 450 to 1. But though full of faith, Gideon wanted to be sure of divine backing for a humanly impossible task. Even after receiving this assurance, Gideon proceeded cautiously, moving against the enemy when they were off guard.

Similarly today, Christians find themselves greatly outnumbered by a world hostile to true worshipers of Jehovah. (John 15:18, 19) Those who would please God in this period of time must continually examine the Bible to be sure that their sacred service conforms thereto and has God’s backing. (2 Cor. 13:5) As Gideon cautiously pulled down the Baal altar by night, Christians must be “cautious as serpents” and be tactful in performing their witnessing and disciple-making work, which overturns religious falsehoods. (Matt. 10:16; 24:14; 28:19, 20) They seek out opportune times and methods that will allow the Christian message to have its beneficial effect on right-hearted ones.

Another fine lesson is provided in Gideon’s humility. The Scriptures counsel Christians to develop a like attitude, “doing nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind.”—Phil. 2:3.

Additionally, this Bible account is prophetic. Judge Gideon foreshadows Christ Jesus, to whom God “has committed all the judging.” (John 5:22) The Scriptures foretell that soon Jesus, along with angelic armies, will do battle with “the kings of the earth and their armies.” (Rev. 19:11, 14, 19) The outcome will be according to the prayer of the psalmist with reference to the deliverance wrought by Gideon: “Do to them as to Midian. . . . As for their nobles, make these like Oreb and like Zeeb, and like Zebah and like Zalmunna . . . that people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”—Ps. 83:9-18.

Venezuelans Take Advantage of Jehovah’s Unfailing Treasure

THE millions of dollars that are pouring into Venezuela at present—over nineteen million dollars a day—are accustoming many there to the highest per capita income in South America. But the wealthiest of all the Latin-American countries is running out of its fabulous black treasure—oil. Informed persons are worried by the reports showing that the proven reserves are down to 17.7 billion barrels, which, at the present rate of production, may last for only another twenty years.

One troubled person, Monsignor Ovidio Pérez Morales, secretary of the Roman Catholic Episcopate, in a recent admonitory message, stated: “We are living in an inundation of waste, of luxury and of collective foolishness. . . . The philosophy of the easy life, of exaggerated profit and of triumph at any cost is being spread and in such a way a country cannot be built.”

However, many Venezuelans are being helped to get a positive outlook for the future. Jehovah’s Christian witnesses in that land are telling them about a treasure far more valuable than oil, a spiritual treasure that will never be exhausted. (Isa. 33:6) Thirty years ago, in 1946, there were just thirteen persons carrying on this Bible educational work. By 1976, however, there were more than thirteen thousand (13,749) visiting their thirteen million neighbors with the message of a future free from fear, under Christ’s rule. Half this number were baptized just during the last four years.

There are several factors that have aided Jehovah’s Witnesses to teach the truth of God’s Word to so many. In these days most Venezuelans know how to read, because the government has made a conscientious effort to provide enough schools. In the last few years the people have come to look at the Bible in a better light. The Roman Catholic Church has sponsored the “Week of the Bible,” during which one may buy the Catholic Bible at a reduced rate, and Bible reading is encouraged. This has helped to erase the ideas that the Bible is an ‘immoral book’ and that ‘one could go insane’ reading it.

One especially useful benefit of the oil bonanza is the network of good roads over much of Venezuela. This has made it much easier to contact people with the “good news” of the Kingdom. But there are still places that must be reached by plane, riverboat, curiara (dugout canoe), burro or other transportation.

BLIND MAN AIDED TO HELP OTHERS

Persons in all walks of life and in a variety of circumstances are finding delight in gaining an accurate knowledge of God’s Word. On the island of Margarita, five hours off the Caribbean coast by ferry, a twenty-one-year-old blind man accepted the Bible’s message. At the age of twelve he had lost his sight when playing with tumbarancho firecrackers, the “jumbo” type. He had been making a living as a singer with a local group of musicians. Upon becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, he gave up this work to avoid the atmosphere of overdrinking and rowdiness associated with it. For almost a year now he has been devoting about ninety hours monthly to sharing Bible truth with others. How does he do it?

Witnesses have opened their homes to him, and different ones help him to get to the territory where he shares in the public proclamation of the “good news.” He makes his living by repairing reed furniture—a skill he acquired at the School for the Blind in Caracas, the capital. There he also learned Braille. This has been especially useful to him. For example, from tape recordings of the Bible handbook The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, he has made a translation into Braille for his own use, and this has enabled him to teach the Bible to others. Three of his students are now Witnesses.

MARVELOUS PERSONALITY CHANGES

The precious message of the Bible has assisted many Venezuelans to change their personalities for the better. A Portuguese immigrant relates:

“A few years ago I had friends who, just like me, robbed and took all kinds of drugs, including LSD. One night I was walking with the gang when, suddenly, someone shouted, ‘The four J’s!’ (The initial of each of our names was “J”; Joao, Jesús, Jorge and José.) Just a short time later Jorge and José died in a gun battle.

“When I found myself at the police station for the tenth time, guilty of robbery, within myself I prayed to God with all my heart. I promised him that I would never rob again. That morning I was freed.

“I tried to leave all this violent world behind and went to work with my brother Manuel in his bakery. An old man came there and left me a copy of Awake! I liked the magazine so much that I asked him for more literature. When he came to take me to a meeting in the Kingdom Hall, I had already read all the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.

“As the book showed that one should get baptized, I wanted to be ready. I said to myself, ‘I’m too shy to speak to the Witnesses about baptism, but in case they mention it to me, why, I’ll have my swimming trunks on!’ So, the first time that I went to the Kingdom Hall I wore my swimming trunks under my trousers.

“My brother Manuel was very angry with me for associating with the Witnesses and called me names. But my conduct was very different now. I was no longer taking drugs, robbing, getting drunk and committing sexual immorality.

“My family observed the great change in me and, one by one, they started to study the Bible. My brother Alfonso said, ‘That religion may be very bad, but the people are good!’ Now Alfonso and his wife and my youngest brother Carlos are all baptized, and even Manuel is studying.

“My family friend José, my brother’s partner in the bakery, also appreciated my good conduct and made some changes of his own. As he was a wrestler, he had previously settled any difference of opinion with brute force. But now as a Witness he strives to be peaceable with everyone. José’s brother Ernesto was especially drawn by the Bible’s hope of a paradise here on earth. He married the mother of his four children whom he had previously abandoned, and now both are baptized Witnesses. Finally the brother of José and Ernesto, Fernando, married the mother of his children, and both of them are preparing themselves for baptism.

“I had a great desire to serve Jehovah as a pioneer, but a large debt did not permit me to do so. I prayed to Jehovah. The owner of the business offered me a raise in my daily wage. But I told him that he could give me the raise or one hour a day, and that I preferred getting off an hour earlier, leaving work at 5 p.m., instead of at 6 p.m., in order to spend two or three hours in God’s service each day as a ‘pioneer.’ At the same time I was speaking to Jehovah in prayer. The owner accepted my proposal, and immediately I took up the auxiliary pioneer work.

“I owe everything to the undeserved kindness of Jehovah, because I do not deserve it.”

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING

Among others making great changes in their lives are young people. Venezuela is really a land of young people, with 70 percent of the population being under thirty years of age. Instead of basing their future hopes on the liquid black treasure of Venezuela, some of them are coming to appreciate the spiritual treasure that Jehovah God offers to his people.

In a cool mountain town near Caracas, a young long-haired, bearded hippie, with a guitar slung over his shoulder, and his friend, a fanatical atheist and Communist, had been seeking the means to a better world and had been reading up on Oriental religions. Finally, they came to the branch office of the Watch Tower Society asking for a free Bible study. Both cleaned up from their former ways and are now baptized Witnesses, basing their hope for the future on the wisdom and knowledge contained in the Scriptures.

FAITHFUL DESPITE OPPOSITION

At times acceptance of Bible truth is attended by bitter family opposition. This was the experience of a young Syrian woman. She knew nothing of Venezuela until a Syrian businessman, visiting from Venezuela in his home area, picked her out for his wife. She made a new life for herself, far from her family, and had four children. She was such a devout Roman Catholic that her husband, a materialist, objected to so much praying and going to church. When called on by a “pioneer” Witness, the Syrian woman could speak no Spanish but, by gestures, conveyed her love for her Arabic Bible.

Arrangements were made for her to study in Arabic with a Lebanese Witness, generally in someone else’s home, or over the telephone. The husband became furious that his wife had stopped being a Roman Catholic (which was better for his business) and was studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He forbade the Witnesses to come to the house. He forbade his wife to go to the Kingdom Hall. He dismissed the maid, who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He removed the telephone. He brought over from Syria her mother and others of her family, for them to put pressure on her. He threatened her by shouting, gave her the silent treatment, feigned illness, and left home with a revolver. He even went to the extreme of taking her to a medical clinic under false pretenses and then had her drugged, hoping thus to wipe out the name of Jehovah from her mind. But all was useless. With spiritual help from several Witness women, she continued to make progress, arranging to go to meetings, sharing in proclaiming Bible truth to others, becoming fluent in Spanish and getting baptized.

Finally, while she was pregnant with their fifth child, the husband asked for a legal separation. Nevertheless, he provided well for her, and she was now able to serve Jehovah without violent opposition at home. A year later he realized that he had lost everything—the companionship of his beautiful wife, the joy of watching his five children grow up, homecooked meals and laundry service. So, he returned home, and the family is now united.

Besides witnessing to the native population, Jehovah’s Witnesses have reached out to share the Bible’s message with the more than half a million immigrants who have entered Venezuela since World War II. Some of the Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, East European and Middle Eastern immigrants have had good success in teaching their relatives about God’s promises for a better system of things.

Jehovah’s servants in Venezuela are continuing to help honest-hearted persons to make spiritual treasures their own. Happily, some Venezuelans are responding favorably. Instead of putting their trust in the prosperity that oil can provide, they are learning to look ahead to an eternal future under God’s kingdom by Christ. May many more come to appreciate the lasting value of spiritual riches.

New Watch Tower President Elected

JEHOVAH’S work on earth continues to move on grandly under the leadership of the enthroned King, Jesus Christ. With the passing of our beloved Brother Nathan H. Knorr on June 8, 1977, it became necessary to elect a new president for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, the corporation that handles the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses world wide, and also for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., the legal agency for administering the affairs of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States. Acting on a united recommendation by all fifteen members of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the directors of the two corporations held a joint meeting on June 22, 1977, at which Frederick W. Franz was elected president of both corporations by unanimous vote. It is of interest that Brother Franz gave the talk on the occasion of Brother Knorr’s immersion on July 4, 1923, and that, from the following year, Brother Franz served in close association with Brother Knorr at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Brooklyn, New York. Brother Franz has served as vice-president of the Pennsylvania corporation since 1945. On September 12, 1977, he will be eighty-four years of age. He continues very active in Jehovah’s service, having just returned from a seven-week lecture tour that included eleven countries extending from Ireland to Israel. His outstanding reputation as an eminent Bible scholar and his tireless work in behalf of Kingdom interests has won him the confidence and loyal support of Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere. He expresses the fervent desire that Jehovah’s people continue to work, to serve and to pray together until the end of this system of things.

Rendering Sacred Service Whole-souled

“Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance.”—Col. 3:23, 24.

1, 2. (a) According to Deuteronomy 30:20, why is serving God so important? (b) What privilege of heavenly service will some enjoy?

THE rendering of sacred service to the Creator of all mankind is the greatest privilege anyone could possibly have. It not only brings happiness now, but opens up wonderful future prospects as well.

2 The Bible speaks of a future heavenly scene, where “the throne of God and of the Lamb” can be seen. Here also 144,000 in number from among mankind are rendering sacred service even while ruling as heavenly kings. These are the ones of whom it is said: “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. . . . And they will rule as kings forever and ever.”—Rev. 14:1-4; 22:3-5.

3. What prospects do the majority of faithful people have for which to look forward?

3 But what about others of mankind, those not called to the “heavenly calling” but who also render Jehovah God sacred service? Are they also to be seen in this prophetic picture? Yes, they are, for the angel showed John “a river of water of life . . . flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. . . . On this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.” So persons showing faith now, people of the “nations” who pass through “the great tribulation,” will have this prospect of enjoying the benefits of this river of water of life and the fruits of the trees of life that will bring healing and eternal happiness to them.—Rev. 22:1, 2.

4. What does God require for one to survive Armageddon?

4 Do you want to understand who these Armageddon survivors are, and how you can be among them? We read: “In response one of the elders said to me: ‘These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?’ So right away I said to him: ‘My Lord, you are the one that knows.’ And he said to me: ‘These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That is why they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. . . . The Lamb . . . will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life.’” (Rev. 7:13-17) Do you see yourself there? Do you want to be among these survivors of “the great tribulation”? You can be.

5. What did Jesus mean when he spoke of loving Jehovah with one’s “whole soul”?

5 If you desire to be with the “great crowd” who will be standing before God’s throne serving him day and night in the post-Armageddon era, now is the time to prove to Jehovah that your service will be, not halfhearted, not lukewarm, not on and off, but without letup, as illustrated by the continuous day-and-night activity of these praisers of Jehovah. This means being whole-souled in your service to God. The original-language words for “soul” in Hebrew and Greek refer to the person—you and me. So when we talk about whole-souled service, it really means giving of ourselves completely, in every way possible. When Jesus spoke of loving Jehovah with our “whole soul,” he meant with all our existence as a person, with our mind, our heart, our strength. (Luke 10:27) We need to use each part of our soul (or, life as a person) in this service to God. Our whole life should be intertwined with our sacred service.

6. How does Colossians 3:23, 24 show that more than speaking the good news is involved in sacred service?

6 Sacred service means more than talking about God’s Word to others. True, that is a part of the example that Jesus set for his followers, but sacred service also includes doing good to others, sharing things—how we live our lives each day. Our conduct at work, for example, reflects on our worship of God. As Colossians 3:23, 24 says: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ.” This would include every facet of our lives—in our witnessing to others, at home, at work—it all reflects on how we respond to Jehovah’s direction.

7, 8. What are some things we should do in a whole-souled way, and why?

7 For example, both men and women have certain God-given responsibilities and assignments to perform within the family circle. Those who recognize Jehovah’s direction in their lives see the applying and the carrying out of such heavenly instruction as a part of their sacred service in the sight of God. Thus Colossians 3:18-22 (Good News for Modern Man) reminds us: “Wives, be obedient to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God. Parents, do not irritate your children, or they might become discouraged. Slaves [today, employees], obey your human masters in all things, and do it not only when they are watching you, just to gain their approval, but do it with a sincere heart, because of your reverence for the Lord.”

8 Thus a woman’s devoted care for her family is a part of her sacred service, since Jehovah has given her that assignment. And she should be whole-souled in carrying it out as befits an assignment from God. (Prov. 31:15, 27) The same is true of the husband, for he must carry out his assigned role to provide things needful and to give loving oversight to the family. So wives’ obedience to husbands, husbands’ love for wives, children’s obeying parents—all should be whole-souled to be pleasing to Jehovah. We do well to ask ourselves, Are we dealing with these positions that we have in Jehovah’s arrangement in a sacred way—or in a profane and worldly way?

9. (a) How do the scriptures show another service in which true Christians share? (b) What questions should we ask ourselves?

9 Apart from these family responsibilities, a very important part of our sacred service involves our bearing witness to the truth in harmony with the example of Jesus and the apostles. (Matt. 24:14; John 18:37; Heb. 13:15; Rev. 1:5; 12:17) Of course, the amount of time persons can spend in such public service will vary, depending on age, health, family responsibilities, and so forth. But the question is, What about our desire? Are we whole-souled in our worship of Jehovah, so that we take advantage of our opportunities and the strength that we have to bear witness to the truth?

10. Explain Matthew 13:23.

10 At Matthew 13:23 Jesus gave the illustration of the seed sown upon fine soil. He applied it to people, speaking of those who not only hear the word but get the sense of it and really do bear fruit and produce, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, and the other thirty. If we do what we can in a whole-souled way, whether little or much, then we fit Jesus’ illustration, for all three types described were part of the “fine soil,” each producing according to individual circumstances.

11. What attitude did Paul have toward serving God, and how did he show it?

11 Some, like the full-time servant Paul, have the privilege of devoting their entire lives to Jehovah’s service. Not that they are any more whole-souled than others, but, like Paul, they not only have the desire to do as much as possible in Kingdom service, but also have the mental and physical stamina, and can adjust their circumstances to take hold of this opportunity. Paul felt that the opportunity he enjoyed to share extensively in the work of announcing the Kingdom was an undeserved kindness from God. He said: “By God’s undeserved kindness I am what I am. And his undeserved kindness that was toward me did not prove to be in vain, but I labored in excess of them all, yet not I but the undeserved kindness of God that is with me . . . so we are preaching and so you have believed.” (1 Cor. 15:10, 11) Is that the way you feel about your service to God?

12. What benefits come from godly devotion?

12 Peter expressed similar thoughts. He said: “His divine power has given us freely all the things that concern life and godly devotion, through the accurate knowledge of the one who called us through glory and virtue. Through these things he has freely given us the precious and very grand promises, that through these you may become sharers in divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Pet. 1:3, 4) While Peter is here addressing those with heavenly hopes as “sharers in divine nature,” his words apply similarly to all persons exercising godly devotion. By applying the accurate knowledge of God’s Word in a whole-souled way, we can escape the corruption and troubles that come to those following lustful ways. And we have the grand promise that we may enjoy everlasting benefits from the river of water of life and from the trees of life.

A FRUITFUL SERVICE

13. (a) In what should every servant of Jehovah be interested? (b) What will help to make our service successful?

13 All of those demonstrating this godly devotion by making an effort to share the truth of God’s Word with others want to be sure that they have Jehovah’s favor and that what they do will be successful. This is what Peter discusses at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Again we note that whole-souled effort is needed, by “contributing in response all earnest effort.” Peter then mentions a number of other qualities that are essential in preventing us from becoming “either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, if someone is having spiritual problems he can generally go through this list and find what is lacking that causes the spiritual sickness or the inactivity. On the other hand, if we apply these things, we will be both active and fruitful in our service to Jehovah.

14, 15. (a) What three qualities did Peter first mention, and why is the first one of importance? (b) Why do we need faith?

14 Among the qualities Peter mentions are earnest effort, then faith, then virtue. It is clear that it takes effort to accomplish anything—effort to study to get understanding and to establish our faith, effort to apply what we learn or to share it with others. But we also know that we will reap as we sow, so if we want results, the effort comes first.—Gal. 6:7.

15 And what about faith? We cannot instill it in others unless we have it ourselves. We can be glad that faith is one of the fruits of the spirit, so that it will increase with cultivation and care. (Rom. 10:17) And why is faith so important? Because ‘without faith it is impossible to please God well.’—Heb. 11:6.

16. (a) What is virtue? (b) How does it affect our Christian service?

16 However, besides effort and faith, Peter talks also about virtue. This is important for the reason that, when it comes to our witnessing to others, all our effort and all our talking go for nothing unless Jehovah blesses our efforts and makes the seed of truth grow. It does not help in seeking to offer a sacrifice of praise if we are not living according to the truth. Virtue is moral excellence, and is needed if we are to qualify to be among those dressed in white robes. (Rev. 7:9) We can understand that a man who is very busy and yet is alert to speak in favor of the Bible and who lives according to it will do much more to advance the truth than one who can spend more time witnessing in a certain area but who is not living up to God’s Word. Time and effort spent witnessing are not the only factors that produce fruitage. Rather, it is Jehovah who gives the increase, and he knows us; he knows what we do and what we are like.

17. How can knowledge of the Bible be helpful?

17 Peter continues: “Supply . . . to your virtue knowledge, to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance.” It is easy to see how a fine, accurate knowledge of the Bible will help us to be effective and fruitful in convincing people of its importance. This knowledge will help us to be ready always to make, not just a defense, but an effective defense of the good news. Not only that, but it helps us to know what Jehovah requires of us so that we will have his favor. As we get this knowledge we can see more clearly the value of doing all things his way, with completeness of heart and mind.

18. (a) What are some ways in which we can show self-control? (b) According to what he wrote to the Galatians, what shows that Paul as a single man thought self-control was important?

18 This leads us to the matter of self-control. How can our life be one of whole-souled devotion if we do not follow Jehovah’s Word in controlling our body and its passions—or what we do with our hands, where our feet lead us, what our mouth says? How can we progress spiritually if we do not have enough self-control to turn off the television when it is time to study? Which do we devote the most time to—watching television or some other recreation, or to spiritual matters? This is something to think about. How do we want to spend our time? Do we value the time that we have as a provision of Jehovah that can be used by us in matters related to “sacred service,” not just once or twice a week, but “day and night”? Whole-souled devotion to Jehovah requires control of self. It means that our energies and thoughts must be toward Jehovah, not toward self or devoted largely to self-indulgence.—Gal. 5:16, 17, 22-24.

19. Why do Christians need endurance and godly devotion?

19 But even knowledge and self-control are of little value if we do not show endurance and godly devotion, sticking to the truth once that we have found it. As Luke wrote (21:19): “By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls.” Yes, our life prospects depend on endurance. Some have to endure physical abuse, as Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi have done. Others may be troubled by indifference to their efforts to share the good news, or by pressures and ridicule from friends and family, some even by violent opposition. But as Paul told Timothy: “Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) So we need both endurance and godly devotion to continue on faithfully, not becoming inactive or unfruitful in our sacred service to God.

20. How do brotherly affection and love help us to avoid becoming unfruitful in our service?

20 Finally, Peter tells us to add to our godly devotion brotherly affection, and to our brotherly affection love. (2 Pet. 1:7) This reaches out, not just to our natural family, but to all persons. (Gal. 6:10) Those who show genuine interest in others, and agape or principled love, often see a fine response to their efforts to share the truth. Just as Jehovah shows love to us, so we want to show love and brotherly affection toward all people. We should show concern for them as individuals, including a sincere desire to help them spiritually. By doing all these things we will avoid becoming “inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—2 Pet. 1:8.

A SERVICE THAT BRINGS BLESSINGS

21, 22. (a) What counsel by Peter applies to each one serving God in spirit and in truth? (b) How can we apply Jesus’ words at Luke 13:24, 25?

21 Peter continues his words of encouragement: “For this reason, brothers, all the more do your utmost to make the calling and choosing of you sure for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail. In fact, thus there will be richly supplied to you the entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:10, 11) Whether we are of the anointed remnant of Christ’s heirs or of the “great crowd,” Peter’s encouragement here to “do your utmost” applies to each one who wants to enjoy Kingdom blessings.

22 This is no time to diminish our sacred service. Rather, Peter appeals to us: “What sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Pet. 3:11, 12) Jesus did not give the assignment of making disciples to the angels, expecting them to materialize to do the work of separating the “sheep” and the “goats.” Instead, he gave it to those who show themselves to be his true followers both by their service and by their whole-souled devotion. (Rev. 12:17) Now is the time to be pleasing our heavenly King by regular Kingdom activity, and not by offering a crippled or half-hearted sacrifice of praise by occasional or irregular service.—Mal. 1:6-8; Luke 13:24, 25.

23. What wonderful prospects are before those now rendering God sacred service in a whole-souled way?

23 As we fill our lives with sacred service rendered whole-souled, we can have the assurance of being among the happy crowd of Armageddon survivors who will rejoice to continue such service day and night before God’s throne after the great tribulation is finished. And as Revelation 7:17 tells us: “The Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life.” What a wonderful prospect is before us if we continue to render sacred service to Jehovah in a whole-souled way!

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

The Wisdom of Avoiding Extremes

It is very easy for imperfect humans to get off balance, taking an extreme view of matters. King Solomon, therefore, gave this admonition: “Do not become righteous overmuch, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you cause desolation to yourself? Do not be wicked overmuch, nor become foolish. Why should you die when it is not your time? It is better that you should take hold of the one, but from the other also do not withdraw your hand; for he that fears God will go forth with them all.”—Eccl. 7:16-18.

The person who is righteous overmuch gets overly concerned about minor matters. For example, he makes big issues over things that are strictly human procedures or methods, matters that are not set forth in the Scriptures. When he sees someone doing a kindness, or perhaps acting in a merciful way, he may object on the basis that certain “protocol” has been ignored. He is much like the Pharisees who did not rejoice about the marvelous relief Jesus Christ brought to afflicted ones on the Sabbath but who became enraged, concluding that the Son of God had violated the law by performing cures on that day. (Mark 3:1-6; Luke 14:1-6) Persons who are righteous overmuch often give no thought to what would be the merciful, loving or helpful thing to do. They take rules to the ultimate limit. When, in their estimation, some rule has been violated, they do not take anything else into consideration.—Compare Matthew 12:2-7; 23:23; Romans 14:1-4, 10.

In their own case, those who are righteous overmuch may practice self-denial to the point of harming their health. They act contrary to the sound advice of Colossians 2:20-23: “Why do you, as if living in the world, further subject yourselves to the decrees: ‘Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch,’ respecting things that are all destined to destruction by being used up, in accordance with the commands and teachings of men? Those very things are, indeed, possessed of an appearance of wisdom in a self-imposed form of worship and mock humility, a severe treatment of the body; but they are of no value in combating the satisfying of the flesh.”

As Solomon said, the person who is righteous overmuch is definitely in danger of causing ‘desolation to himself.’ He may bring physical, mental or emotional ruin to himself by rash zeal or extreme self-denial. Worse, his unloving attitude can cost him God’s favor and blessing.

Then, as Solomon shows, there is the person who ‘shows himself excessively wise,’ trying to impress others with his wisdom. He sets himself up as a critic and gives the impression that he has better insight than anybody else. His exalted opinion of his abilities often causes him to get involved in other people’s affairs, offering them unrequested solutions to their problems. In time he alienates others, and they may do everything possible to avoid him. Also, time may reveal that his advice was not so good, and he may be blamed for causing needless trouble.

Lest a person get off balance and take the wrong view of proper righteousness and wisdom, Solomon went on to warn against ‘becoming wicked overmuch.’ Imperfection, of course, should be accepted by all of us as a reality. The apostle John wrote: “If we make the statement: ‘We have no sin,’ we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8) We therefore must resign ourselves to falling short in many respects. However, a person must be careful that he does not pass over wrongdoing lightly, excusing himself with the words, ‘Well, after all, I’m a sinner.’ While a person can enjoy life, he should be careful not to cast off all restraints. Calamity is in store for the one who acts the part of a fool, thinking that he is above law and correction. The person who pursues an unbridled course may experience serious problems and even die prematurely.

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The Watchtower, August 1, 1977