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1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,
And loving favor rather than silver and gold.
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2 The rich and the poor meet together:
Jehovah is the maker of them all.
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3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself;
But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
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Prudent man – Two classes may expect divine protection in the coming trouble: (1) children of the consecrated under the age of discretion; and (2) some consecrating themselves to God during the trouble. R2020:6
We are not to expect miraculous help except where necessary. We are to watch and pray, look ahead and use our best judgment, trusting in and looking for the Lord's providential guidance. R2021:2
Foreseeth the evil – The great time of trouble. R5571:3, R2021:2, R2019:3*
Profit by the experience of others, either through instruction or observation. R2073:3
The time of trouble is of two kinds: (1) troubles and siftings upon the Church which none of God's sons will escape; and (2) the wrecking of present institutions which true children of God "may be accounted worthy to escape." (Luke 21:36) R2020:5
Character preparation is the best heritage a parent can leave a child: (1) the Golden Rule of justice; (2) mercy, the spirit of helpfulness; (3) meekness, gentleness, etc.; (4) economy in everything. R5571:3
We recommend that none be urged (in order to escape the great time of trouble) unduly to make a full consecration to the Lord, lest such profession be mere hypocrisy. R5571:6
And hideth himself – By surrounding himself and his family with the best conditions for development in the Christian graces, for rendering service to the Lord, his people and his truth. R2021:4
Instead of seeking a place of safety, seek the condition of safety described in Zeph. 2:3 under divine providence. R2021:1
In time of trouble keep a good stock of fuel on hand and a little reserve of staple food. R5854:5
Do not be afraid of having too much commodities. Think of them as provision for any in need who may come to you. Do not sound a trumpet about such provisions. At most, suggest that your friends do likewise. R5572:4
Punished – Severe experiences, punishment for lack of observing the natural laws of cause and effect. R2073:3
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4 The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah
Is riches, and honor, and life.
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5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse:
He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.
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6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
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Train up a child – Chiefly by the establishment of right principles in the heart. F528
In the reverence and admonition of the Lord. OV217:3
Discipline and obedience should be insisted upon with firmness and kindness from the day of birth. R3711:5
"The that seek me early shall find me." (Prov. 8:17) R3711:5
It will have more influence than most people seem to realize. Q544:2
The mind of the mother, during the period of gestation, is stamping and impressing, favorably or unfavorably, the character of her child. R5700:6, R2902:2; F520
Rule yourself before attempting to rule your child. R1098:2*, R1097:1*
Good men and loyal to the Lord may be poor fathers, careless of their responsibilities to their children. Alas that it is so to this day. R3598:2
The care and instruction of children is a paramount obligation resting upon every parent. R4522:3, R5700:5
The science of child-raising in a nutshell: (1) When you consent, consent fully; (2) When you refuse, refuse fully (3) Often comment; (4) Never scold; (5; Beware of making an issue with your child, but when the issue is forced, carry it out. R1098:2*
Since ours is a difficult day in which to raise children it should lead one more earnestly to seek wisdom from on high properly to discharge his duty toward his child. R3711:6
We urge the daily use of the Heavenly Manna, beginning every day with praise and prayer; and the children should be Scripturally instructed every Sunday. R4522:4
In the way – It is a mistake to suppose that children cannot appreciate religious principles. R2903:2
He should go – Conscientious, just, loyal to God and the principles of righteousness. R5700:5
When he is old – Consider children a little garden spot. Plant the seeds of the fruits of the spirit and reap a rich reward in the graces of character--especially if the children have been consecrated from infancy or before birth. R2903:2
He will not depart – The impression of the principles of righteousness cannot be wholly effaced even though the child might temporarily try forbidden paths. R3598:2
The principal reason so many do depart is that they are not properly trained in the way they should go. Q54:4
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7 The rich ruleth over the poor;
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
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8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity;
And the rod of his wrath shall fail.
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Shall reap vanity – A principle of divine law applicable to all men. (Gal. 6:7) R1653:3
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9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;
For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
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10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out;
Yes, strife and ignominy will cease.
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11 He that loveth pureness of heart,
For the grace of his lips the king will be his friend.
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12 The eyes of Jehovah preserve him that hath knowledge;
But he overthroweth the words of the treacherous man.
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13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion without:
I shall be lain in the streets.
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14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit:
He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.
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15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
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16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain,
And he that giveth to the rich, shall come only to want.
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17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,
And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
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18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee,
If they be established together upon thy lips.
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19 That thy trust may be in Jehovah,
I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.
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20 Have not I written unto thee excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
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21 To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,
That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
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22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor;
Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
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23 For Jehovah will plead their cause,
And despoil of life those that despoil them.
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24 Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger;
And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:
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25 Lest thou learn his ways,
And get a snare to thy soul.
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26 Be thou not one of them that strike hands,
Or of them that are sureties for debts.
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Sureties for debts – By endorsing notes or going on bonds. F568
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27 If thou hast not wherewith to pay,
Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
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28 Remove not the ancient landmark,
Which thy fathers have set.
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29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings;
He shall not stand before mean men. |
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