Ɔkpá Ohi ku Ɔkpá ku Ōjila ku Oyeeyi mla Uklɔ Ku Alɔ
© 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
ƆYA AFLƐYI 1-7
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | UJÓBU 32-33
Je Ɔtu Ō Tule Lɛ Ācɛ Nōo Lɛ Ɔtoplico A
it-1 710
Elihu
Elihu was impartial, not bestowing a flattering title on anyone. He recognized that he, like Job, was made of clay and that the Almighty was his Creator. Elihu had no intention of terrifying Job but spoke to him as a true friend, addressing Job by name, something that was not done by Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar.—Job 32:21, 22; 33:1, 6.
w14 6/15 25 ¶8-10
Do You View Human Weakness as Jehovah Does?
8 We will likely be more empathetic if we remember that some of our dear brothers and sisters have been weakened by adverse circumstances—suffering from poor health, living in a divided household, or coping with depression. We might find ourselves in a similar situation one day. Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites, who had been poor and weak in the land of Egypt, were reminded that they should not “harden [their] heart” toward their afflicted brothers. Jehovah expected them to consider the poor as being worthy of help.—Deut. 15:7, 11; Lev. 25:35-38.
9 Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, we should provide spiritual comfort to those facing undesirable circumstances. (Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1) To illustrate: When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
10 If we pause to reflect on our brothers’ circumstances, we may see their seeming frailty in a different light. Think of sisters who have been enduring family opposition for years. Some may be of humble appearance and look fragile, yet do they not demonstrate outstanding faith and inner strength? When you see a single mother regularly coming to meetings with her child or children, are you not impressed by her faith and determination? And what of teenagers who stick to the truth despite the bad influences in school? In all modesty, we recognize that such ones, who may seem to be weaker, may be as “rich in faith” as those among us who have more favorable circumstances.—Jas. 2:5.
Eko Nyá Wɛ Eko Okpaakpa Ō Kɛla A?
17 Ɔcɛ ɔmɛnɛ nōo gáā má Ujobu a wɛ Ɛlihu, ɔmaapu ku Ebraham. Ó yɔ i jahɔ abɔ Ujobu mla acɛnyilɔ ɛta a yɔ i kɛla a. Ó teyi peee ka ó jahɔ lɔɔlɔhi tu ɛlā nɛ ācɛ ɔhá a yɔ i ka a, ohigbu ka ó tu Ujobu ukɔ́ okpaakpa, mla ɔwɛ ogbonɛnɛ, ɛgɛ nɛ ó géē ta Ujobu abɔ kóō lɛ ɛlá ō gbo ku nu piyabɔ a. (Ujób. 33:1, 6, 17) Ɔdā nōo cɛgbá lɛ Ɛlihu fiyɛ duu a wɛ ō je owofu lɛ Ujehofa, ó wɛ iyi nu amāŋ ɔcɛ ɔhá duuma ŋ. (Ujób. 32:21, 22; 37:23, 24) Oŋma ocabɔ ku Ɛlihu a, alɔ nwu ka ó lɛ eko nɛ alɔ cika ō lɛ okonu kla cii mla eko nɛ alɔ cika ō yɔ i jahɔ. (Ujɛ́m. 1:19) Alɔ klla nwu ku eko duuma nɛ alɔ yɔ i tu ɔcɛ ukɔ́, ɔdā nōo cika ō cɛgbá lɛ alɔ fiyɛ duu a, wɛ ō je owofu lɛ Ujehofa nɛ, ó wɛ iyi alɔ ŋ.
18 Alɔ géē mafu ku ɛhi ku ɛlā ō ka jɛ alɔ eyī, ɔdaŋ ku alɔ gē yɛce aukɔ́ ku Ubáyíbu lɛyikwu eko mla ɛgɛ nɛ alɔ cika ō kɛla a. Usolomɔn nōo wɛ ɔcɛ ō jijeeyi nɛhi a ta ɔkpá kahinii: “Ɛlā nɛ̄ ɔ̄cɛ le ka lɔhi, lɛbɛ̄ɛka ɔdā ō yá héyīfuú kú ugóolu (oje ɔdɔ) nōo wu ipú oje nɛ̄hɛ́ ā.” (Aíit. 25:11) Ɔdaŋ ku alɔ gē jahɔ tu ɛlā nɛ ācɛ ɔhá gē ka, nɛ alɔ klla gē gbɛla lɔɔlɔhi gbɔbu ɛɛ ku alɔ kɛla, ɛlā ō ka ku alɔ géē lɛbɛɛka ɔdā ō heyifuu ku ugoolu ɔɔma a. Ó géē cɛgbá klla lɔhi. Ohigbu ɛnyā a, ɔdaŋ ku alɔ kóō kɛla ligii amāŋ nwune, ɛlā ō ka ku alɔ géē lɔfu tu ācɛ ɔhá iyē. Ó klla géē cɛ lɛ Ujehofa gweeye. (Aíit. 23:15; Āfi. 4:29) Ɛnyā wɛ ɔwɛ olɔhi fiyɛ duu nɛ alɔ lɔfu mafu ku ɛhi ku ɛlā ō ka nōo ŋma ɛgiyi Ɔwɔico a, jɛ alɔ eyī nɛhi a!
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
w13 1/15 19 ¶10
Keep Drawing Close to Jehovah
10 Similarly, it is appropriate to be concerned about our appearance. But we need not try too hard to erase all signs of aging. Those signs can be evidence of maturity, dignity, and inner beauty. For example, the Bible says: “Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Prov. 16:31) That is how Jehovah views us, and we should try to view ourselves as he does. (Read 1 Peter 3:3, 4.) Is it wise, therefore, to risk unnecessary and potentially dangerous surgical procedures or medical treatments merely to make oneself more physically attractive? “The joy of Jehovah” is a source of true beauty that radiates from the inside, regardless of age or health. (Neh. 8:10) Only in the new world will we be completely healthy and regain youthful beauty. (Job 33:25; Isa. 33:24) Until then, showing practical wisdom and faith will help us to stay close to Jehovah while we make the best of our present circumstances.—1 Tim. 4:8.
ƆYA AFLƐYI 8-14
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | UJÓBU 34-35
Eko Nōó Lɛbɛɛka Ɔdobɔbi Yɔ I Ya Da Ācɛ Nōo Gē Ya Ɔdā Olɔhi A
wp19.1 8 ¶2
What Is God Like?
God always does what is right. In fact, “it is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!” (Job 34:10) His judgments are upright, as the psalmist said when addressing Jehovah: “You will judge the peoples fairly.” (Psalm 67:4) Because “Jehovah sees into the heart,” he cannot be fooled by hypocrisy but is always able to perceive the truth and make accurate judgments. (1 Samuel 16:7) Furthermore, God is aware of every act of injustice and corruption on earth, and he has promised that soon “the wicked . . . will be cut off from the earth.”—Proverbs 2:22.
w17.04 10 ¶5
What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes?
5 What will Jehovah do? Right now Jehovah is giving wicked people an opportunity to change. (Isa. 55:7) As individuals, they have not yet received their final judgment. It is this system that stands condemned. But what of those individuals who refuse to change, who continue to support this system right up to the time of the great tribulation? Jehovah has promised to rid the earth of wicked people for all time. (Read Psalm 37:10.) The wicked may think that they are safe from such judgment. Many have learned to hide what they do, and in this world they often seem to escape justice and consequences. (Job 21:7, 9) Yet, the Bible reminds us: “God’s eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness or deep shadow where wrongdoers can conceal themselves.” (Job 34:21, 22) There is no hiding from Jehovah God. No impostor can fool him; no shadow is so dark or deep that God’s limitless vision cannot pierce right to the heart of matters. After Armageddon, then, we may look where the wicked used to be, but we will not see them. They will be gone—forever!—Ps. 37:12-15.
A Géē Cɛ Lɛ Ɔdā Duuma Ci Uwɔ Ŋma Ō Yɛce Ujisɔsi?
19 Alɔ gē má ɛdɔ unwalu ɛgɛnyā icɛ duu? Ii. Ācɛ alɛwa gē ta ɛlā ku alɔ icɛ ohigbu ku alɔ ta ō lɛ abɔ ipu ɛlā imeli. É gbɛla ku alɔ cika ō lɛ abɔ ba ɔkpá lɛ ācɛ. Amáŋ, ɔdaŋ ku alɔ lɛ ɔlɛɛcɛ fu kóō wɛ ɔcɛ ku alɔ, ayika alɔ yɔ i ta Ujehofa yɔ abɔɔ a. (1 Usám. 8:4-7) Ācɛ klla lɔfu gbɛla ka alɔ cika ō gwo ainɔkpa mla ainɛɛci klla ya ɔdā ɛyɛɛyɛyi ō ta ācɛ abɔ. É gē ta ō jahɔ lɛ alɔ ohigbu ku alɔ yɔ i ceyitikwu tɔɔna, ikɔkɔ ō yɔ i ya ku unwalu nɛ ācɛ yɔ i má ipu ɛcɛ babanya a kóō mɛ a.
20 Ɔdi nɛ alɔ cɛgbá ō ya, o ya ɛɛ ku alɔ ma ō gbā Ujehofa ɛ̄gbā ŋ ma? (Jé Umátiyu 7:21-23.) Ɔdā ō kpɔcii nɛ alɔ cika ō ya a, wɛ ō yuklɔ nɛ Ujisɔsi je ɔ́da lɛ alɔ ku alɔ ya a. (Umát. 28:19, 20) Alɔ hii gbɔɔ ō ceyitkwu ya ku unwalu ku ɛcɛ nyā kóō mɛ ŋ. Alɔ yihɔtu ācɛ, unwalu ku uwa kē i kwu alɔ iyē. Amáŋ alɔ jé ka ɔwɛ olɔhi fiyɛ duu nɛ alɔ ta ācɛ abɔ gla a, wɛ ō nwu uwa lɛyikwu Ajɔɔcɛ Ku Ɔwɔico mla ō ta uwa abɔ kéē lɛ ɛma olɔhi mla Ujehofa.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
w17.04 29 ¶3
May Your Volunteer Spirit Bring Praise to Jehovah!
3 Elihu was not corrected by Jehovah for asking: “If you are righteous, what do you give him [God]; what does he receive from you?” (Job 35:7) Was Elihu suggesting that our efforts in God’s service are pointless? No. He was saying that Jehovah does not depend on our worship. Jehovah is complete. We cannot make him richer or stronger. On the contrary, any goodness, talent, or strength that we possess is a trust from God, and he takes note of how we use it.
ƆYA AFLƐYI 15-21
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | UJÓBU 36-37
Ɔdā Nōo Ya Ɛɛ Nɛ Alɔ Lɔfu Kpɔtuce Okonu Ō Ce Ku Ɔwɔico Lɛyikwu Oyeeyi Opiyoo A
w15 10/1 13 ¶1-2
Can We Really Find God?
GOD’S ETERNAL EXISTENCE: The Bible teaches that God exists “from everlasting to everlasting.” (Psalm 90:2) In other words, God had no beginning and will have no end. From a human point of view, “the number of his years is beyond comprehension.”—Job 36:26.
How you benefit: God promises you everlasting life if you truly come to know him. (John 17:3) How reliable would such a promise be if God himself did not live forever? Only “the King of eternity” could fulfill such a promise.—1 Timothy 1:17.
Aɔdā Olɔhi Nɛ Ɔwɔico Ya Gā Uwɔ A Jɛ Uwɔ Eyī?
6 Eŋkpɔ yɔ ipu ɛcɛ a ohigbu ka oligbo ku ɛnɔ ŋma ɛgiyi ɛcɛ a le kpaakpa. Ɔdaŋ ka ɛnɔ a géē yɛ i tu wa ɛgiyi ɛcɛ a ligii nɛɛ, ɛjɛɛji eŋkpɔ nōo yɔ ipu ɛcɛ a géē je ŋmo ŋma ajɛ. Ɛcɛ a géē kwɔla nɛɛnɛhi, ajɛ géē je ŋmokoko, ɔdā duuma i kē gáā yeeyi ŋ. Ɔdaŋ ka ɛnɔ a kē yɔ ligbo fiyɛ ɛgɛ nōo yɔ a ŋma ɛgiyi ɛcɛ a nɛɛ, ɛjɛɛji eŋkpɔ nōo yɔ ɛcɛ a géē je hilaŋdɔ kinii, usuno géē yɔ ɛbɛɛbɛ. Amáŋ abɔ Ujehofa lɛ ɛcɛ a ta ɛga okpaakpa a, ɛgɛ nɛ eŋkpɔ gē yɛ lɛ a gē ta alɔ abɔ ku alɔ yeeyi. Ɔdaŋ ka ɛnɔ gbɔɔ ō fiyaajɛ, eŋkpɔ nōo yɔ ipu isu mla ɛcɛ a, géē gbɔɔ ō ŋmo ŋma ajɛ gā ico, é géē je piya ojuja. Ipu ihayi doodu, eŋkpɔ nɛ ɛnɔ gē ŋmo ŋma ajɛ a, fiyɛ eŋkpɔ nōo yɔ ipu ɛjɛɛji okpoo nōo yɔ ipu ɛcɛ a. Eŋkpɔ nōo ŋmo ŋma ajɛ gā ico a, géē yɔ ico bɛɛka ɛ̄cī igwo, cɛɛ ó gbɔɔ ō ya waajɛ. Anu wɛ ɔwɔ mla usuno nōo gē ya a. Igbihaajɛ a, eŋkpɔ ku ɔwɔ nōo ya a géē pɛ cigbihi gā ipu isu, amāŋ ipu aɔkpa nɛ̄ŋcɛ́ nɛ̄ŋcɛ́. O ŋma ɔɔma a, ó géē gbɔɔ ō yɛ ɔwɛ aflɛyi ɔɔma kpɔ. Ujehofa lɛ ɔwɛ nɛ eŋkpɔ gē yɛ nyā a ya, o ya ɛɛ ku eŋkpɔ kóō bēē yɔ ɛcɛ a eko doodu. Ɛnyā mafu peee ku Ujehofa jijeeyi klla lɔfu nɛɛnɛhi.—Ujób. 36:27, 28; Ɔ̄cok. 1:7.
Lɛ Abɔ Bi Eyiyoce NƐ A Lɛ Lɛyikwu Ɛcɔbu A Lɔfu Lɔfu
16 Eyiyoce ka oyeeyi opiyoo nɛ alɔ lɛ a wɛ ɛnɛɛnɛ ɛhi ŋma ɛgiyi Ɔwɔico. Alɔ yɔ i leyice ɛnɛɛnɛ ɛcɔbu nɛ alɔ jé kpɔcii ka ó géē ya piii a. Ó lɛbɛɛka ekli o kwaajɛ nōo gē ya ku alɔ hayi lɔfu ō lɔtu ku unwalu, o ya ŋmo, mla eko nɛ oyeeyi ku alɔ kwu ikwū ajaajɛ. Eyiyoce a lɛbɛɛka ɔkpu o kwɛyi nōo gē gbo ɛlá ō gbo ku alɔ, o ya ɛɛ ku alɔ ta aɛlā ō gbo obɔbi mla ō ya aɔdā nōo lɔhi a. Eyiyoce nyā nɛ Ubáyíbu kɛla lɛyikwu ɔ a gē ta alɔ abɔ ō jé Ɔwɔico lɔɔlɔhi fiyɛ, klla gē mafu lɛ alɔ ɛgɛ nɛ Ɔwɔico yihɔtu alɔ lɛ a. Alɔ gē lɛ itene nɛhi abɔ alɔ lɛ abɔ bi eyiyoce ku alɔ lɔfu lɔfu a.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
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Communication
Information and ideas were transmitted from person to person in a variety of ways in Bible lands of antiquity. To a great extent, ordinary local and foreign news was communicated by word of mouth. (2Sa 3:17, 19; Job 37:20) Travelers, who often journeyed with caravans, related news from distant places when they stopped for food, water, and other provisions at cities or points along the caravan routes. In its unique position with relation to Asia, Africa, and Europe, the land of Palestine was traversed by caravans traveling to and from distant points. So its residents could readily acquire information regarding significant events in foreign lands. News, both national and foreign, could often be obtained in the city marketplace.
ƆYA AFLƐYI 22-28
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | UJÓBU 38-39
A Gē Lɛ Eko Taajɛ Ku A Leyi Yɛ Aɔdā Nɛ Ujehofa Ya A?
A Le Tutu Ō Gbeyi Cii Lɛ Ujehofa Kóō Ya Odee?
7 Ubáyíbu bi ɔwɛ nyā le kɛla lɛyikwu ɛgɛ nɛ Ujehofa ya ɛcɛ a. Ó ka ɔɔ “miya ɛ́gɛ́nɛ̄ ɛcɛ nwuné lɛ ā,” mla “aúpíla nēe bī ɛcɛ hayi ā,” ó klla “lɛ ɛcɔ̄ kú ɔ́kíkā kú etikpa kú ɛcɛ kwu ajɛ.” (Ujób. 38:5, 6) Ɔwɔico kóō lɛ eko taajɛ kóō leyi yɛ uklɔ abɔ ku nu. (Ohút. 1:10, 12) Ɛgɛnyá nɛ a gbɛla ku ɔtu ya aalelekwu otɛhɔ ku Ujehofa lɛ, eko néē má ɛjɛɛji aɔdā ɛpɛpɛ nɛ Ujehofa ya a? Ó lɛ aafu ŋ, ɔtu he uwa nɛɛnɛhi! Ohigbu ɔɔma, é gbɔɔ ō “tɔ́ɔga ohígbū éeyē ā.” (Ujób. 38:7) Ɔdi nɛ ɛnyā nwu alɔ a? Ó je Ujehofa ihayi alɛwa gbɔbu ɛɛ kóō ya ɛjɛɛji aɔdā nɛ ó dɔka ō ya a mɛ, amáŋ eko nɛ ó leyi taajɛ kóō má aɔdā nɛ ó ya a lɔɔlɔhi a, ó ka kɛɛ “lɔhi nɛ̄hi.”—Ohút. 1:31.
Ō Heyi Ŋma Ɔlekwu A Mafu Ihɔtu, Ijeeyi, Mla Ogbeyi Cii Ku Ɔwɔico
2 Aflɛyi, Ujehofa lɛ Ujisɔsi Ɔyinɔnyilɔ ku nu ya. Ó bu ipu Ɔyinɔnyilɔ aflɛyi ku nu nyā a, Ujehofa “yá ɛjɛ̄ɛ̄jī aɔdā dóódu,” kwu alɛwa ku Aalelekwu otɛhɔ ku nu. (Ukól. 1:16) Ujisɔsi gweeye nɛhi ō yuklɔ tɔha mla Adā nu. (Aíit. 8:30) Aalelekwu otɛhɔ a kē gweeye nɛhi duu. É yɔ eko nɛ Ujehofa mla Ujisɔsi nōo wɛ ɔcɛ ō yuklɔ mla ɔ a, ya ɔkpanco mɛmla ɛcɛ a. Ɔdi nɛ Aalelekwu otɛhɔ a ya? É “bá ī tɔ́ɔga ohígbū éeyē” eko nɛ ó ya ɛcɛ a, é klla ba i je owoofu lɛ ɔ eko néē má ɛjɛɛji aɔdā ɔhá nɛ ó ya a, ofiyɛ duu a alɛɛcɛ. (Ujób. 38:7; Aíit. 8:31) Eyeeye ku aɔdā nɛ Ujehofa ya a, mafu ɛgɛ nɛ ó lɛ ihɔtu klla jijeeyi nɛhi a.—Aíjē 104:24; Uróm 1:20.
Nwu Ɛlā Tōōtɔ̄ɔ̄ Lɛyikwu Ujehofa Ŋma Aɔdā Nɛ Ó Ya A
8 Ujehofa cika nɛ alɔ cika ō lɔtuce ɔ. Ujehofa ta Ujobu abɔ ka ɔtu nɛ ó le ce ɔ a kóō nwune fiyɛ. (Ujób. 32:2; 40:6-8) Ipu ɔka nɛ ó ka mla Ujobu a, Ɔwɔico kɛla lɛyikwu aɔdā ɛyɛɛyɛyi nɛ ó ya bɛɛka ainyilɔwɔ, ojuja, mla ɔwɔ olimanya. Ujehofa klla kɛla lɛyikwu aɛ́bɛ́ bɛɛka aɔba ɛna mla ɔnya. (Ujób. 38:32-35; 39:9, 19, 20) Ɛjɛɛji aɔdā nōo ba nyā i mafu ɔfu nɛhi ku Ɔwɔico foofunu ŋ, amáŋ ó klla mafu ihɔtu mla ijeeyi nɛhi ku nu. Alɔ gweeye nɛhi ku ɔka nɛ Ɔwɔico ka mla Ujobu nyā, ɛnyā ya ku Ujobu kóō kpɔtuce Ujehofa fiyɛ. (Ujób. 42:1-6) Ɔwɛ ekponu ɔɔma, eko duuma nɛ alɔ klɔcɛ lɛyikwu aɔdā nɛ Ɔwɔico ya a, ó gē ta alɔ ɛlá kwu ɔ ka Ɔwɔico jeeyi klla lɔfu nɛhi fiyɛ alɔ. Ó klla lɔfu ō ya ku ɛjɛɛji unwalu ku alɔ kóō mɛ. Ɔkwɛyi nyā lɔfu ta alɔ abɔ ō ya ku alɔ kpɔtuce Ujehofa fiyɛ.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
it-2 222
Lawgiver
Jehovah as the Lawgiver. Jehovah is actually the one true Lawgiver in the universe. Attributable to him are the physical laws governing inanimate creation (Job 38:4-38; Ps 104:5-19), and animal life. (Job 39:1-30) Man also, as a creation of Jehovah, is subject to Jehovah’s physical laws, and since he is a moral, rational creature, capable of reasoning and of spirituality, he is equally subject to God’s moral laws. (Ro 12:1; 1Co 2:14-16) Furthermore, Jehovah’s law governs spirit creatures, angels.—Ps 103:20; 2Pe 2:4, 11.
Jehovah’s physical laws are unbreakable. (Jer 33:20, 21) Throughout the known visible universe his laws are so stable and reliable that, in areas where scientists have knowledge of these laws, they can calculate the movements of the moon, planets, and other celestial bodies with split-second accuracy. One who goes contrary to the physical laws experiences immediate application of their sanctions. Likewise, the moral laws of God are irrevocable and cannot be circumvented or violated with impunity. They are as sure of enforcement as are His natural laws, though the punishment may not be as immediately enforced. “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.”—Ga 6:7; 1Ti 5:24.
ƆYA AFLƐYI 29–ƆYA ƆMPA 4
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | UJÓBU 40-42
Ɔdā Nɛ Alɔ Lɔfu Nwu Ŋma Ɔdā Nōo Ya Da Ujobu A
w10 10/15 3-4 ¶4-6
“Who Has Come to Know the Mind of Jehovah?”
4 As we meditate on Jehovah’s activities, we need to avoid the tendency to judge God by human standards. This tendency is alluded to in Jehovah’s words as recorded at Psalm 50:21: “You imagined that I would positively become like you.” It is as one Bible scholar stated over 175 years ago: “Men are apt to judge of God by themselves, and to suppose him restricted by such laws as they deem proper for their own observance.”
5 We need to be careful not to shape our concept of Jehovah so as to conform it to our own standards and desires. Why is this important? Well, as we study the Scriptures, some of Jehovah’s actions may seem to be not quite right from our limited, imperfect viewpoint. The ancient Israelites fell into that way of thinking and drew a wrong conclusion concerning Jehovah’s dealings with them. Notice what Jehovah said to them: “You people will certainly say: ‘The way of Jehovah is not adjusted right.’ Hear, please, O house of Israel. Is not my own way adjusted right? Are not the ways of you people not adjusted right?”—Ezek. 18:25.
6 A key to avoiding the trap of judging Jehovah by our own standards is to recognize that our viewpoint is limited and at times seriously flawed. Job needed to learn this lesson. During his time of suffering, Job struggled with despair and became somewhat self-centered. He lost sight of the bigger issues. But Jehovah lovingly helped him to broaden his viewpoint. By asking Job over 70 different questions, none of which Job could answer, Jehovah emphasized the limitations of Job’s understanding. Job reacted in a humble way, adjusting his viewpoint.—Read Job 42:1-6.
w17.06 25 ¶12
Keep Your Eyes on the Big Issue
12 Was Jehovah harsh in giving such straightforward counsel after Job had endured so severe a trial? God was not, and Job did not think so. Despite his ordeal, Job finally began to speak appreciatively. He even stated: “I take back what I said, and I repent in dust and ashes.” Such was the effect of Jehovah’s pointed but refreshing counsel. (Job 42:1-6) Earlier, Job had also received corrective counsel from young Elihu. (Job 32:5-10) After Job responded to God’s reproof and corrected his view, Jehovah expressed to others his approval of Job’s faithfulness under trial.—Job 42:7, 8.
“Lɔtūce Óndú Ā”
17 Ujobu wɛ ɔcɛ éyi nōo gba Ujehofa ɛ̄gbā nōo lɛ ɔtu klla hayi lɔfu, ɛpleeko nɛ ó yɔ i má unwalu bɔbi bɔbi a. Ipu ɔkpá nɛ ó ta fu Ācɛ Uhibru a, ɔyikpo Upɔlu kɛla lɛyikwu ācɛ alɛwa ɔhá, ó kē hi uwa ka “ɛwa nɛ̄hi kú ācɛ nēe wɛ ijáalí kú ɔtóōce.” (Uhíb. 12:1) Ɛjɛɛji uwa má unwalu bɔbi bɔbi ipu oyeeyi; naana a, é lɛ ɛnɛɛnɛ ocabɔ nōó lɛ ɛdɔ ŋ kóō hayi kpaakpa lɛ Ujehofa taajɛ lɛ alɔ. (Uhíb. 11:36-40) Ɔtu ō lé mla uklɔ olɔfu nɛhi néē ya a bonu nɛɛ? Ehee, ó bonu ŋ! Naana néē má ɛjɛɛji okonu ō ce ku Ujehofa ya jila ɛpleeko néē yeeyi ŋ ma, é gɔbu yɔ i lɔtuce Ujehofa kpɔ. Ohigbu kē jé kpɔcii ka é teyi olɔhi ku Ujehofa a, é lɔtuce lɔfu lɔfu kē géē má ɛjɛɛji okonu ō ce a ya jila. (Uhíb. 11:4, 5) Ocabɔ ku uwa lɔfu ya ku ɔtu nɛ alɔ le ya ekponu ō yɔ i lɔtuce Ujehofa a kóō lɛ ɔfu fiyɛ.
18 Today we live in a world that is going from bad to worse. (2 Tim. 3:13) Satan has not finished putting God’s people to the test. Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, may we be determined to work hard for Jehovah, confident that “we have rested our hope on a living God.” (1 Tim. 4:10) Remember, the outcome that God gave to Job proves “that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.” (Jas. 5:11) May we too remain loyal to Jehovah, certain that he will reward “those earnestly seeking him.”—Read Hebrews 11:6.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
it-2 808
Ridicule
Job was a man righteously maintaining his integrity through great ridicule. But he developed the wrong viewpoint and made a mistake, for which he was corrected. Elihu said of him: “What able-bodied man is like Job, who drinks up derision like water?” (Job 34:7) Job became too concerned with his own justification rather than God’s, and he tended to magnify his own righteousness more than God’s. (Job 35:2; 36:24) In receiving the severe ridicule of his three “companions,” Job tended to count it directed toward himself rather than toward God. In this he was like a person who gives himself up to derision and ridicule and delights in it, taking it in as though he were drinking water with enjoyment. God later explained to Job that these ridiculers were actually (in the final analysis) speaking untruth against God. (Job 42:7) Similarly, Jehovah told the prophet Samuel when Israel demanded a king: “It is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.” (1Sa 8:7) And Jesus said to his disciples: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations [not on your own account, but] on account of my name.” (Mt 24:9) Keeping these things in mind will enable the Christian to endure ridicule in the right spirit and will qualify him to receive a reward for his endurance.—Lu 6:22, 23.
ƆYA ƆMPA 5-11
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | AÍJĒ KÚ Ɛ̄GBĀ 1-4
Le Miya Ō Lɛyitaajɛ Lɛ Ajɔɔcɛ Ku Ɔwɔico
“N Géē Jíla Odúúdú Aéwo Kú Ipú Ɛcɛ Ā Iyē”
8 Ɔdi nɛ ācɛ gē ya eko néē lɛ ɔkoolɔhi nyā bi gē lɛ uwa a? Ɛyinɛhi ku uwa gē ta ō jahɔ. (Jé Aíjē Kú Ɛ̄gbā 2:1-3.) Aéwo a yɔ i cɔnu. É ta ō miyɛ Ɔcɛ́ nɛ Ujehofa fu a. É gē má uklɔ ku ɔna ō ta a kóō wɛ “ɔ̄kōolɔhi” ŋ. Ó kóō lɛ ācɛ ku igɔmɛnti ōhī nōo lɛ uklɔ ku ɔna ō ta ku alɔ ci! Naana nɛ alɛwa ku aotrɛyi ku aéwo nyā gē ka ku aa gē gba Ɔwɔico ɛ̄gbā a, é dɔka ō habɔ ɔfu mla íkwu néē lɛ ipu igɔmɛnti a ta ŋ. Bɛɛka ɛgɛ nɛ aotrɛyi ku ɛpleeko ku Ujisɔsi a ya a, aotrɛyi ku aéwo icɛ gē ya ikpɛyi olɔfu ta Ɔcɛ nɛ Ujehofa lɛ Anɔ tu ɔ ɛyi a. É gē ya ɛnyā ŋma lɛ ō ya unwalu ta ayikpo ku nu nōo hayi kpaakpa a.—Ācot. 4:25-28.
w16.04 29 ¶11
Maintain Your Neutrality in a Divided World
11 Materialism. If we are attached to our possessions, we risk compromising our neutrality when we are under test. Ruth, in Malawi, saw several Witnesses do so when they were persecuted in the 1970’s. She recalls: “They could not give up their comfortable life. Some went into exile with us but later joined the political party and returned home because they did not want to put up with the discomforts of life in the refugee camp.” In contrast, the vast majority of God’s people have remained neutral despite economic pressures or even the loss of everything they own.—Heb. 10:34.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
it-1 425
Chaff
The thin protective covering or husk on the kernels of cereal grains such as barley and wheat. Though the Biblical references to chaff are figurative, they reflect the threshing practices common in ancient times. After harvesting, this inedible membrane covering of the valuable grain was useless, and hence was an appropriate symbol of something light, worthless, and undesirable, something to be separated from the good and to be disposed of.
First, the threshing operation broke the chaff loose from the kernel. Then by winnowing, the light chaffy part was carried away like dust in the wind. (See WINNOWING.) This well illustrates how Jehovah God both removes the apostates from among his people and also disposes of wicked persons and opposing nations. (Job 21:18; Ps 1:4; 35:5; Isa 17:13; 29:5; 41:15; Ho 13:3) God’s Kingdom will crush its enemies into such small particles that they will be easily blown away like the chaff.—Da 2:35.
The worthless chaff was often gathered and burned to prevent it from blowing back and contaminating the piles of grain. Similarly, John the Baptizer foretold the coming burning destruction of the wicked false religionists—the Thresher, Jesus Christ, will gather in the wheat, “but the chaff he will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.”—Mt 3:7-12; Lu 3:17; see THRESHING.
ƆYA ƆMPA 12-18
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | AÍJĒ KÚ Ɛ̄GBĀ 5-7
Hayi Kpaakpa Ipu Ɛ̄gbā Ō Gba Ku Uwɔ Ɛgɛ Duuma Nɛ Ācɛ Ɔhá Ya Odee Lɛ
Ɛgɛ Nɛ Ō Jé Ubáyíbu Eko Doodu Lɔfu Ta Uwɔ Abɔ Lɔtu Ku Unwalu A
7 Oklobiya uwɔ, ɔncɛnya uwɔ amāŋ ka ɔcɛ apɔlɛ ku uwɔ, ya uwɔ ɔdā ō kwu uwɔ iyē jeeje ɛ? Ɔdaŋ ka ó lɛ a, ɔdā nōo gáā ta uwɔ abɔ a wɛ ō klɔcɛ lɛyikwu ɔdā nɛ Udefidi nōo wɛ Ɔcɛ́ a ya, eko nɛ ɔyi nu Absalɔm ya ɔdā ō kwu ɔ iyē klla yɔ i ceyitikwu kóō kwu piya ɔcɛ́ a.—2 Usám. 15:5-14, 31; 18:6-14.
8 (1) Gbɔɔkɔ. Gbɔbu ɛɛ ku a jé ɛga ku Ubáyíbu nyā, da Ujehofa ɛgɛ nɛ ɔtu ya uwɔ lɛyikwu ɔdā obɔbi nɛ ācɛ ya uwɔ a. (Aíjē 6:6-9) Da Ujehofa ɛgɛ nɛ ɔtu ya uwɔ lɛ piii a. Cɛɛ ku a gbɔɔkɔ lɛ ɔ kóō ya ku a má aukɔ́ nōo géē ta uwɔ abɔ a.
Miyɛ Cɛ Kli Ku Ɔdā Nɛ A Kpɔtuce A Wɛ Ɔkwɛyi
3 Ɔtu okpoce ku alɔ i cika ō gbolo ce ihɔtu nɛ ācɛ ɔlɛ Ɔwɔico lɛ lɛ iyi uwa foofunu ŋ. Ohigbu ɔdi? Ohigbu ku ɔdaŋ ku ɔtu okpoce ku alɔ gbolo ce ɔɔma foofunu, ó géē tɔɔtɛ ku alɔ kóō hii lɛ ɔtu okpoce gɛ ŋ. Ocabɔ mafu, alɔ géē lɔfu lɛ abɔ ci ɛ̄gbā ō gba ku Ujehofa gla, ɔdaŋ ka ɔyinɛ alɔ éyi, ó kóō lɔfu wɛ ɔnyakwɔcɛ ku ujɔ amāŋ ɔcɛ ō gbɔbu ɔna ō ta eko doodu, lɛ ɔdobɔbi nɛhi éyi ya. Alɔ kóō lɔfu ma Ujehofa ta, ɔdaŋ ku ɔyinɛ alɔ lɛ odee ya nōo kwu alɔ iyē, amāŋ ɔyinɛ alɔ éyi kwu piya ɔcɛ ō cigbihi kwu ɔwɛ ō gba Ujehofa ɛ̄gbā, klla gbɔɔ ō ka ka ɔdā nɛ alɔ kpɔtuce a i wɛ ɛlā ɔkwɛyi ŋ. Ó lɛ a, ɔdaŋ ku alɔ dɔka ō lɛ ɔtu okpoce olɔfu, ɔtu okpoce ku alɔ cika ō gbolo ce ɛma olɔfu nɛ alɔ lɛ mla Ujehofa a. Ɔdi nɛ ɛnyā yɔ i nwu alɔ a? Ɔdaŋ ka ɔtu okpoce nɛ a lɛ lɛ Ujehofa a wɛ ohigbu ɔdā nɛ ācɛ ɔhá gē ya a nɛɛ, nōó wɛ ohigbu ɛma nɛ a lɛ mla ɔ a ŋ, ayika a gáā lɛ ɔtu okpoce olɔfu ŋ yɔ abɔɔ a. Ɔwɛ nɛ ɔtu gē ya uwɔ lɛ lɛyikwu Ujehofa mla ācɛ ɔlɛ nu a lɔfu ta uwɔ abɔ ku a dee lɛ ɔtu okpoce. Amáŋ, ó cɛgbá nɛhi ku a ya oklɔcɛ ku Ubáyíbu abɔyi uwɔ lɔɔlɔhi, jɛyi ɔdā nɛ a yɔ i nwu, klla jila aɛlā má, o ya ɛɛ ku a wa i kpɔtuce kpɔciii ku ɛlā nɛ a yɔ i nwu a wɛ ɛlā ɔkwɛyi lɛyikwu Ujehofa. A cika ō kpɔtuce lɔfu lɔfu abɔyi uwɔ ku aɛlā nōo yɔ ipu Ubáyíbu a wɛ aɛlā ɔkwɛyi lɛyikwu Ujehofa.—Uróm 12:2.
4 Ujisɔsi ka ācɛ ōhī géē miyɛ ɔkwɛyi a “mla éeyē,” amáŋ ɔdaŋ ka é gbɔɔ ō má unwalu, ɔtu okpoce ku uwa i gáā lɔfu gɛ ŋ. (Jé Umátiyu 13:3-6, 20, 21.) Á jé ŋ, ohigbu ka uwa i jé ka ācɛ nōo gē yɛce Ukraist a géē má unwalu amāŋ āhɔ̄ ō lɔnɔ ŋ. (Umát. 16:24) Amāŋ, é lɔfu gbɛla ka ɔdaŋ ka gbɔɔ ō yɛce Ukraist ɛ, a gáā lɛ unwalu duuma gɛ ŋ, amāŋ Ɔwɔico géē je ɛjɛɛji unwalu ŋma ɛgiyi uwɔ. Amáŋ ipu ɛcɛ nyā icɛ, alɔ géē má unwalu piii. Aɔdā ōhī lɔfu piyabɔ ipu oyeeyi ku alɔ gla, nōo lɔfu ya ku alɔ hii lɛ eeye gɛ ŋ.—Aíjē 6:6; Ɔ̄cok. 9:11.
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
it-1 995
Grave
At Romans 3:13 the apostle Paul quotes Psalm 5:9, likening the throat of wicked and deceitful men to “an opened grave.” As an opened grave is to be filled with the dead and with corruption, their throat opens for speech that is deadly and corrupt.—Compare Mt 15:18-20.
ƆYA ƆMPA 19-25
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | AÍJĒ KÚ Ɛ̄GBĀ 8-10
“N Gē Bī Odúúdú Ɔtū Kú Um Lɛ Cɛ̄tra Óndú Ā”!
Ɛga Nɛ A Lɛ Ipu Apɔlɛ Ku Ujehofa Kóō Jɛ Uwɔ Eyī
6 Ujehofa lɛ ɔlɛ nōó lɛ ɛdɔ ŋ ma tutu lɛ alɔ. Ihayi alɛwa gbɔbu ɛɛ kóō ya ɔlɛɛcɛ aflɛyi a, Ujehofa lɛ ɛcɛ nyā tutu lɛ alɛɛcɛ. (Ujób. 38:4-6; Ujɛr. 10:12) Abɔ Ujehofa wɛ ɔcɛ ogbonɛnɛ klla gē nwulabɔ a, ó lɛ aɔdā olɔhi alɛwa ya nōo géē cɛ lɛ alɔ gweeye. (Aíjē 104:14, 15, 24) Ekoohi, ó gē lɛ eko taajɛ cɛɛ kóō gbɛla lɛyikwu ɔdā nɛ ó ya a, ó kē “má kɔ́ɔ lɔhi.” (Ohút. 1:10, 12, 31) Ujehofa lɛ ojilima ce alɛɛcɛ ŋma lɛ ō je uwa piya “otrɛ̄yí kú ɔdā dóódu” nōo heyifuu nɛ ó ya ipu ɛcɛ nyā a. (Aíjē 8:6) Ɔwɔico dɔka ku alɛɛcɛ nōó lɛ ɛnyá duuma ŋ ma, kéē jɔɔnyɛ ō leyi kwu aɔdā oheyifuu nɛ ó ya a piyoo. A gē ta Ujehofa ahinya ojigogo ku ɛnɛɛnɛ okonu ō ce ɔɔma a?
Aɔdā Olɔhi Nɛ Ɔwɔico Ya Gā Uwɔ A Jɛ Uwɔ Eyī?
10 Ɔwɛ éyi nɛ alɔ géē mafu ku ɛhi ku ɛlā ō ka jɛ alɔ eyī nɛhi a, wɛ ō da ācɛ nōo kpɔtuce ku ɛjɛɛji odee ya abɔyi uwa a, lɛyikwu ɔdā nōo ya ɛɛ nɛ alɔ a kpɔtuce ka Ɔwɔico ya ɛjɛɛji odee a. (Aíjē 9:1; 1 Upít. 3:15) Ācɛ nōo kpɔtuce ɛlā ɔɔma gē dɔka ku alɔ a kóō kpɔtuce ku ɛcɛ a, mɛmla ɛjɛɛji aɔdā oyeeyi nōo yɔ ipu nu a wa acigili. Alɔ lɔfu bi Ubáyíbu mla aɛlā ōhī nɛ alɔ géē kɛla lɛyikwu uwa ipu ikpɛyi ɛlā nyā, le da uwa lɛyikwu Adā alɔ nōo yɔ ɔkpanco a. Alɔ klla lɔfu bi ɔ le mafu lɛ aɛ̄nɛ̄ ō dɔka ō jahɔ lɛ alɔ a, lɛyikwu ɔdā nōo ya ɛɛ nɛ alɔ kpɔtuce lɔfu lɔfu ka Ujehofa wɛ Ɔwɔico nōo ya ɔkpanco mla ɛcɛ a.—Aíjē 102:25; Ayis. 40:25, 26.
Ɔwɛ Nɛ A Gē Kɛla A Wɛ Ocabɔ Olɔhi Nɛ Ācɛ Ɔhá Lɔfu Yɛce??
13 Gwiije ŋma ɔtu ku uwɔ. Ɔdā ō cɛgbá fiyɛ duu nōo ya nɛ alɔ gē gwiije ipu ōjila ku ujɔ ku alɔ a, wɛ o ya ɛɛ ku alɔ je owoofu lɛ Ujehofa nɛ. Sara ɔyinɛ alɔ nɔnya éyi gbɛla ku anuɔ i jé ō gwiije lɔɔlɔhi ŋ. Naana a, ó gē dɔka ō je owoofu lɛ Ujehofa ipu ijé ō gwo kpɔ. Ohigbu ɛnyā, eko duuma nɛ ó yɔ i ya otutu ku ōjila ku ujɔ, ó gē tutu ku ijé a duu. Ó géē yɔ i gwiije a igbalɛwa klla ceyitikwu kóō má ɛgɛ nɛ aɛlā néē ka ipu ijé a tɛɛma kwu ɔdā néē gáā kɛla lɛyikwu ɔ ipu ōjila ku alaadi ɔɔma a. Ó kahinii: “Eko duuma nɛ um gē gbɛla lɛyikwu aɛlā a, ń gē lɛ ɛlá wu ɔ ɔdaŋ ku um gē gwiije a lɔhi amāŋ ku um jé ō gwo ɔ lɔhi ŋ.”
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
Nwu Ɛlā Tōōtɔ̄ɔ̄ Lɛyikwu Ujehofa Ŋma Aɔdā Nɛ Ó Ya A
14 Udefidi gbɛla lipu lipu tu aɔdā nɛ Ɔwɔico ya a. Ó da Ujehofa kahinii: “Eko nɛ̄ n leyī yi ɔkpáncō mɛ́mla ɛcɛ, ɔyā mɛ́mla inyílɔ́ɔuwɔ nāa kpó kwu ɔkpáncō ā mla odúúdú úklɔ́ abɔ̄ kú uwɔ ā cíí, cɛ́ɛ́ n dɔ̄ɔ̄kā ka, ɔdí wɛ ɔlɛɛcɛ ɛ́ɛ́ nāa gē gbɛlá kwu ɔ́ dúú ā?” (Aíjē 8:3, 4) Abɔ Udefidi leyi má ɔkpanco otu a, ó jɔɔnyɛ ō má ɛjɛɛji ainyilɔwɔ a foofunu ŋ. Ó klla gbɛla lipu lipu tu aɔdā nɛ ainyilɔwɔ a nwu ɔ lɛyikwu Ɔwɔico a. Ó nwu ɛgɛ nɛ Ujehofa gbɛ nɛhi lɛ a. Ɛpleeko ɔhá, Udefidi gbɛla lɛyikwu ɛgɛ nɛ ɔkpiye ku nu bi le jɛ eko nɛ ó yɔ ipu ku ɛ́nɛ́ nu a. Eko nɛ ó gbɛla lipu lipu tu ɔwɛ ohidaago nɛ Ɔwɔico ya ɔkpiye ku nu a, ɛgɛ nɛ Ujehofa jeeyi lɛ a gáā jɛ ɔ eyī nɛhi fiyɛ.—Aíjē 139:14-17.
ƆYA ƆMPA 26–ƆYA ƆMƐTA 3
AGBENU NŌO YƆ IPU ƐLĀ ƆWƆICO | AÍJĒ KÚ Ɛ̄GBĀ 11-15
Leyi Má Iyi Uwɔ Ipu Ɛcɛ Ɛyipɛ Ku Ɔwɔico Nɛ Ɛbɔ Yɔ
w06 5/15 18 ¶3
Highlights From Book One of Psalms
11:3—What foundations are torn down? These are the very foundations on which human society rests—law, order, and justice. When these are in disarray, social disorder prevails and there is no justice. Under such conditions, “anyone righteous” must fully trust in God.—Psalm 11:4-7.
wp16.4 11
Is a World Free of Violence Possible?
The Bible promises that God will soon cleanse this earth of violence. Today’s violent world is facing God’s “day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.” (2 Peter 3:5-7) No more will violent people make others suffer. How can we be sure that God wants to intervene and eradicate violence?
God “hates anyone who loves violence,” says the Bible. (Psalm 11:5) The Creator loves peace and justice. (Psalm 33:5; 37:28) That is why he will not tolerate violent people forever.
w17.08 6 ¶15
Are You Willing to Wait Patiently?
15 Why was David willing to wait patiently? He gives us the answer in the very psalm in which he four times asked: “How long?” This is what he says: “As for me, I trust in your loyal love; my heart will rejoice in your acts of salvation. I will sing to Jehovah, for he has richly rewarded me.” (Ps. 13:5, 6) David trusted in Jehovah’s loyal love. He joyfully looked forward to deliverance, and he reflected on how Jehovah had dealt rewardingly with him. Yes, David felt that the wait would be worth it.
kr 236 ¶16
The Kingdom Carries Out God’s Will on Earth
16 Security. At long last, the heartwarming word picture painted at Isaiah 11:6-9 will see a complete fulfillment even in a literal sense. Men, women, and children will be safe and secure wherever they go on earth. No creature, whether human or animal, will pose any threat. Imagine a time when you will see this entire planet as your home, where you can swim in the rivers, lakes, and seas; traverse the mountain ranges; and roam the grasslands in complete safety. And when night falls, you will not worry. The words of Ezekiel 34:25 will come true, so that it will even be possible for God’s people to “dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests.”
Ɛnɛɛnɛ Ɛlā Nɛ Alɔ Nwu Ŋma Ɛlā Ɔwɔico
w13 9/15 19 ¶12
Have You Been Transformed?
12 Sadly, we are surrounded by people in the world who fit Paul’s description. They likely think that it is old-fashioned or intolerant to insist on standards and principles. Many teachers and parents take a permissive approach and promote a “liberal” way of thinking. To them, everything is relative; nothing is absolute. Even many who claim to be religious feel that they are at liberty to do what they think is right, without any obligation to obey God and his commandments. (Ps. 14:1) This attitude may pose a real threat to true Christians. The unwary may adopt the same view of theocratic arrangements. They may be unwilling to go along with congregation procedures and may even complain about anything not to their liking. Or they may have reservations about Bible-based counsel on entertainment, use of the Internet, and the pursuit of higher education.