we respect you for that, but you are also loving. You are our best friend.” Knowing how pleased you would be to hear such a sincere expression, how do you think God feels when we include thanks and praise in our prayers? The prophet Daniel set us a fine example in this. The Bible pointedly mentions that he praised God in prayer.​—Dan. 6:10.

21. How can our prayers express more than generalities?

²¹ It is good in our prayers to be specific about God’s goodness toward us. Have you ever listened to a child pray and heard him thank God for the chocolate ice cream, the boat ride he enjoyed or for his school vacation? Can we not be specific, too, rather than thanking God simply in generalities? If you have had a fine experience in the preaching work, specifically thank God for it. If you received a gift, you likely thanked the person who gave it to you. But what about thanking the One who has made all things? Have you discerned the Bible’s counsel on some weighty problem? Express your thanks in prayer. And when you are privileged to represent others in prayer, why not mention distinct, specific examples of God’s blessing for which all of you are thankful.​—Ps. 42:8.

22. By way of a review, in what ways can we thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness, reflecting what sentiments?

²² Undeniably there are many evidences of God’s loving-kindness shown us as his approved servants. We can observe them daily if we are alert to them. (Ps. 107:43) And each of us can gratefully respond by speaking of our God. How? When? In our preaching and teaching work. In general conversation with fellow Christians and others. And in song and prayer. Yes, though we are yet awaiting the time when all creation will unitedly praise Jehovah as Psalm 150 describes, we personally can have a full share in doing that right now. Thus we will reflect the sentiments David expressed in Psalm 59:16, 17: “As for me, I shall sing of your strength, and in the morning I shall joyfully tell about your loving-kindness. . . . O my Strength, to you I will make melody, for God is my secure height, the God of loving-kindness to me.”

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

God Gives to the Righteous One and the Wicked One

Regarding what God gives to the righteous and the wicked, Ecclesiastes 2:26 says: “To the man that is good before him he has given wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing, but to the sinner he has given the occupation of gathering and bringing together merely to give to the one that is good before the true God.”

The good man, because of applying the guidelines provided by the Creator, becomes wise and knowledgeable. He is enabled to use his assets and abilities in harmony with wisdom and knowledge, and this contributes to his happiness. Were it not for his relationship with God, he would not have this genuine wisdom, knowledge