not overlook willful disregard for his will and purpose. Moreover, those who persist in attitudes and actions contrary to his ways will not escape adverse judgment. Wise indeed are all who live in harmony with his Word. For, as the inspired apostle John wrote, “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”​—1 John 2:17.

Humility​—A Most Desirable Quality

PRIDE​—rather than humility, meekness or lowliness—​is all too often the dominant trait reflected by imperfect humans. The Supreme Sovereign of the universe, however, is humble. This is evident from Jehovah God’s willingness to deal compassionately with lowly sinners who earnestly seek his approval and blessing.

Jehovah’s humility is beautifully portrayed in the third chapter of the book of Lamentations. There the prophet Jeremiah pours out his intense feelings about the terrible afflictions that befell the Israelites at the hands of the Babylonians. As a nation, the Israelites were laid low in utter defeat. Eventually, however, Jehovah God would remember repentant ones of the nation. Confidence in this is expressed in Jeremiah’s prayerful words at Lamentations 3:19, 20: “Remember my affliction and my homeless state, the wormwood and the poisonous plant. Without fail your soul will remember and bow low over me.” Yes, in expression of his superlative humility, the Almighty God would “bow low” or stoop down to give the repentant ones favorable attention and lift them up from their debased condition.

Thus, Jehovah God, though supreme and answerable to no one, condescends to look favorably even upon those who have been brought to the lowest state. Rightly, then, he requires that his servants be humble. Only to the humble ones does he give favorable attention, making them the object of his special consideration. His Word tells us: “Jehovah is high, and yet the humble one he sees; but the lofty one he knows only from a distance.” (Ps. 138:6; Jas. 4:6) Great distance separates the proud from Jehovah God who dwells in the highest heavens. Nevertheless, he discerns their