Tuesday, January 28
Jehovah himself gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and discernment.—Prov. 2:6.
Jehovah is a generous, abundant Provider. These qualities are reflected in “true wisdom,” personified in Proverbs chapter 9 as a woman. The account mentions that this figurative woman has fully prepared her meat, mixed her wine, and arranged her table in her house. (Prov. 9:2, ftn.) Further, according to verses 4 and 5: “She [personified wisdom] says to the one lacking good sense: ‘Come, eat my bread.’” Why should we come to true wisdom’s house and eat the meal she offers? Jehovah wants his children to be wise and safe. He does not want us to learn life’s lessons the hard way—through bitter experience and with nagging regrets. That is why “he treasures up practical wisdom for the upright.” (Prov. 2:7) When we have a healthy fear of Jehovah, we will want to please him. We hear his wise counsel, and we are happy to apply it.—Jas. 1:25. w23.06 23 ¶14-15
Wednesday, January 29
God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work.—Heb. 6:10.
Even if we feel limited in what we can do in God’s service, we can rest assured that Jehovah appreciates our sincere efforts to please him. How do we know? In Zechariah’s day, Jehovah asked his prophet to make a crown out of the gold and the silver sent by the exiles in Babylon. (Zech. 6:11) This “grand crown” would serve as a “reminder” of their generous contributions. (Zech. 6:14, ftns.) We can be confident that Jehovah will never forget our earnest efforts to serve him during uncertain times. We will no doubt continue to face uncertainties in these last days, and conditions may even get worse in the future. (2 Tim. 3:1, 13) However, we do not need to be consumed by anxiety. Remember Jehovah’s words to his people in Haggai’s day: “I am with you . . . Do not be afraid.” (Hag. 2:4, 5) We too can be sure that Jehovah will be with us as long as we do our best to carry out his will. w23.11 19 ¶20-21
Thursday, January 30
I am a sinful man.—Luke 5:8.
The apostle Peter’s shortcomings could easily have been omitted from the Bible record. However, they were included under inspiration as lessons for us. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Learning about this man who had weaknesses and feelings like ours can help us to see that Jehovah does not expect perfection from us. He wants us to persevere—to keep trying—despite our weaknesses. Why is it necessary for us to persevere? After we feel that we have overcome a certain weakness, we may suffer a setback. But we still keep working toward our goal. We all say or do things that we later regret; nonetheless, if we refuse to give up, Jehovah will help us to keep making progress. (1 Pet. 5:10) The compassion Jesus showed Peter despite his shortcomings can motivate us to continue serving Jehovah. w23.09 20-21 ¶2-3