17. What are the benefits of speaking the truth with others now?

¹⁷ But even now speaking the truth brings happiness. It frees truth lovers from bitterness, faultfinding and envy. People everywhere in the world see the happiness of the united New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses, who have reason to be happy because they know where they are going and what the future holds for them. God’s Word of truth has illuminated their roadway to life. “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.” (Ps. 119:105) The truth focuses one’s thoughts on spiritual things and gives a vision of the future and its Kingdom blessings. The favor of the Great Giver of everlasting life, Jehovah God, comes upon those who in this time fear him and speak truth with one another. “At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name. ‘And they will certainly become mine,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘at the day when I am producing a special property. And I will show compassion upon them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving him. And you people will again certainly see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.’” (Mal. 3:16-18) In association with Jehovah’s witnesses rejoice in speaking truth for your salvation and the salvation of any who may hear you.—1 Tim. 4:16.

Using Theocratic Assets

“Honor Jehovah with your valuable things.”—Prov. 3:9.

1. Why is the truth so much more valuable than gold?

THE truth is one of man’s most valuable assets. In fact, it is a priceless treasure. Since the truth originates in Jehovah God, it is a theocratic asset. By truth wise men are guided today in the path that leads to everlasting life. By a knowledge of the truth happiness is available in the midst of a very unhappy world. Gold, money and material possessions may be thought about first when assets are mentioned, but money cannot buy happiness, peace of mind or everlasting life. Therefore all of mankind who really know the truth are thankful to Jehovah the Great Provider of truth as they use this valuable theocratic asset.—Ps. 105:1, 2.

2. What does a person need to make the best use of his assets?

² By learning the truth about relationship to the Creator, man comes to appreciate the many good things with which he has been endowed by God. He may not be rich in gold and material possessions, but he realizes that the measure of life he possesses is a great asset from God, and if he can gain the blessing of God in using his life he will indeed be very rich. “The blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.” (Prov. 10:22) A man’s gold or houses can be quickly taken away from him by other men or by governments, but no one can remove the blessing of Jehovah when Jehovah gives it. With the blessing of Jehovah God a man can use his personal assets or resources to good success.

3. What do those who appreciate their relationship to Jehovah do?

³ God expects man to live in harmony with him. Those who appreciate their relationship to Jehovah do so. “None of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, . . . we live to Jehovah, . . . we belong to Jehovah.” (Rom. 14:7-9) But Jehovah God does not force anyone. He lets individuals have an opportunity to learn the truth and see the privilege of dedicating their lives to the service of God. Then they can use their life to be a blessing to others by following the example of Jesus, who gave his all in the service of Jehovah. Those who dedicate their lives to God now and who prove obedient to doing his will have the assurance that their lives will be extended to everlasting life. “In the path of righteousness there is life, and the journey in its pathway means no death.”—Prov. 12:28.