2. (a) How do we define the wise qualities of discernment and understanding? (b) What instructions given in Proverbs chapter 2 lead one to genuine knowledge and the proper fear of God?

2. AWE OF GOD. Proverbs 1:7-9 speaks of the fear or awe of God, which involves a great respect and love for Him, fearing to displease or hurt Him: "7 The awe of Jehovoe is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8 Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother. 9 They are an attractive wreath for your head And a fine ornament for your neck." The discipline mentioned doesn't necessarily involve punishment. The word comes from the same root as "disciple." Did Jesus or Joshuaz' (the more correct name) just go around punishing his "disciples," or rather, did he lovingly correct them, aside from teaching and training them? Yes, in God's word "admonition" involves teaching and training out of love, while "discipline" is loving correction (Ephesians 6:4). Any justified punishment might be given if the motive behind it is clearly love for the learner, and the lesson also is made clear. Notice how we come to learn the reverential fear of Jehovoez, in the counsel of Proverbs 2:1-6. Let’s first lay the groundwork for understanding this set of scriptures. There we find reference to God's wisdom and his commandments—his guidance in how to live and what to do to be successful in right living. Mention is made of learning discernment, or the ability to see the difference between things: right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and bad, wise and unwise, and the "more important things" from those of lesser importance, though perhaps still required (Philippians 1:10). Also understanding is needed, which is often gained by asking "why?" and "how?," and is the ability to see how all the pieces fit together of something, to make the whole, in this case, to understand what is right and wise. These qualities lead to our receiving the knowledge of God and highly regarding Him with appropriate wonder, reverence, and respect, fearing to displease Him. Notice how it reads in Proverbs 2:

3. Why is it beneficial to grow in wise qualities such as discernment and understanding?

3. BENEFICIAL LAWS AND RIGHT CONDUCT. "Knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding." says Proverbs 14:6. As you grow in exercising such qualities as discernment and understanding, Proverbs 2:9 says "Then you will understand what is righteous and just and fair, The entire course of what is good." Why do we want to be wisehearted in this way? What reasons do we have for treasuring right ways and laws? Take for instance just one of the Ten Commandments, the eighth, that of stealing: "You must not steal" (Exodus 20:15) What if you worked hard to scrimp and save for a nice brand name 50 inch LCD TV. You finally have enough and purchase it. How would you feel if someone came in and stole it the next day, before you and your family could hardly have a chance to use it? Can we see the value of having good laws, principles of truth and virtues to guide our steps each day? And can we see the value for all people having a reverential fear of God, respecting His right to establish beneficial laws for man, and showing appreciative willingness to abide by these laws?

4. (a) In coming to appreciate true freedom, what illustration may help us see the benefit of having good laws? (b) How is true freedom not the same as absolute freedom?

4. WISE GUIDANCE AND GODLY FREEDOM. Consider another example: What if you needed to drive your SUV from one side of New York City to the other? What if you had to make the journey with no traffic lights, signs, or laws? How long would it take you, and how many horn honks would you have to put up with along the way? Can we appreciate the need for appropriate laws and wise guidance in our life? Now who is most qualified to guide mankind to have the proper laws that are needed for the exercise of true freedom? Yes, true freedom requires some laws to allow us to properly enjoy life each day. "Where the spirit of Jehovoe is, there is freedom." says 2Corinthians 3:17. The freedom that God is making possible on the basis of real faith and love will enable mankind to live peacefully on a paradise earth, enjoying true happiness. So true freedom is not absolute freedom, which is anarchy, and leads to chaos. Rather, "God is a God, not of disorder, but of peace."--1Corinthians 14:33

5. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, proving that true faith is not blind?

5. FAITH, EVIDENCE. Our hope of endless life and happiness is built on our faith in God and His Son, Jesus/Josha Christ. Such faith is in no way "blind." It is a vicious lie that godly faith is belief in something for which there is no proof. Rather, genuine faith, according to God's word, is built on solid evidence, as explained at Hebrews 11:1. There we read that faith is defined as the "evident demonstration of realities, though not beheld." Air cannot normally be directly seen, or "beheld," but it can be felt, and it's effects can be seen, "evident" proof of its existence.

6. What evidence is there for the existence and loving qualities of God?

6. TWO BOOKS—CREATION AND THE BIBLE. Much evidence exists for the existence and loving qualities of God, even before looking into His word the Bible. Looking around and contemplating God’s wonderful and varied creative works makes possible abundant confidence in His tremendous wisdom, power, and love--cardinal attributes of God. However, there was an enemy, “the god of this system of things" that "blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2Corinthians 4:4). Many are not taught to look at God’s creation in such a way or are taught lies such as the THEORY of evolution, and so acquire little faith in Him. Also, there is much that creation itself cannot reveal to us, that God Himself wants us to know. Careful consideration of the Bible reveals abundant evidence of it’s candor, reliability, beneficial instruction, it’s genuine inspiration by God Himself, all telling us much about His loving personality and ways—His deep interest in and love for His human creation. Helpful guidance, understanding of the interior person, and divine law is also revealed, which contribute to genuine peace and happiness among those adhering thereto.

7. What illustration found in God's word helps us reason on the proof of God's creative hand in life itself?

7. EVERY HOUSE. Adding to the evidence of God's hand in creation is a simple but powerful illustration found in God's word. What if you were walking along in a desert and as you top a hill you find on the other side a house, which you could see was fully furnished. What if you also found out that the refrigerator was packed with food, along with some stored in kitchen cabinets. Perhaps you also found out that the home had a system for maintaining a comfortable temperature, via heating and air conditioning. Now, what would you think if someone told you that the house was just a product of a theory of evolution--that against incredible odds it just gradually came to be without any intelligent intervention? Would you not dismiss such a notion as extremely unrealistic? God's word uses this illustration in Hebrews 3:4 this way: "Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God." Now consider how the earth and everything on it has been designed. Contemplate the immense variety of foods that can be marvelously grown in soil, and the earth's distance from the sun, to give us an average temperature that is comfortable, along with the raw materials and science making possible heating and air conditioning systems, not to mention communication systems--such as radio, phones, televisions, and computers—and then cars, furniture, and so on. Jehovoez God is the One who so lovingly made possible every such thing for the human family, and giving mankind the earth as an incredible gift, though needing God's oversight to bring God's purpose to fulfillment--a paradise earth, a new world of righteousness and peace on the basis of true faith and love. Psalm 115:16 states this: "As for the heavens, to Jehovoez the heavens belong, but the earth He has given to the sons of men."

8. What evidence is there that God had much modern technology and human creativity in mind for man’s future?

8. TECHNOLOGY! It should be abundantly clear that God made the earth with much modern scientific technology in mind. Why can this be said? Take computers, for example. It would not be possible to have these portable machines if Jehovoez did not create the elements, whether metals or semiconductors, like the silicon in sand, with certain capabilities and properties to allow computer chips and other components to be made. Silicon, as abundant and available as sand, is a perfect material for computer chips, even allowing for a mixture of other materials to modify its function and performance. God made all of this possible by the materials and their properties in earth's available bounty. How loving and wise is our Creator Jehovoez, so evident in the incredible way He made us and had in mind human creativity and our eternal happiness. "O the depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! 34 For "who has come to know Jehovah's mind, or who has become his advisor?...Because from him and by him and for him are all things..." (Romans 11:33-36).

9. Where should one look for understanding and discernment?

9. HEARER OF PRAYER. Recall our growing in true wisdom begins with the reverential awe of God, and we gain such awe in part by 'calling out for understanding and raising our voice for discernment.' Who are we to call out and raise our voice to? It is understandable that a child might think of his or her parents or guardian(s), as Proverbs instructs young ones to listen to the discipline and instruction of both father and mother. However, the "Hearer of prayer," Jehovoez God, no doubt wants all learners to call out to Him for such guidance as well (Psalm 65:2). After all, it is "Jehovoe Himself" who gives wisdom. As Psalm 86:10-11 entreats God in prayer, "For you are great and do wondrous things; You are God, you alone. 11 Instruct me, O Jehovoez, about your way. I will walk in your truth. Unify my heart to revere your name." The psalmist David prays for an undivided heart, completely in harmony with God's true will and purpose. May parents and others everywhere appreciate the great privilege of communicating with man's Life-giver, showing appropriate thanks for the many gifts we receive daily, offering heartfelt, sincere prayers, truly seeking God's guidance and direction in their life, and teaching their children how to do the same. (Matthew 6:9-13) Jehovoez certainly wants all of us to think of Him first for help, protection, and salvation as we receive and practice His guidance, thus exercising true faith in God. James 4:8 says this: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” Notice the close relationship God had with David, as shown in the entire Psalm 139, revealing much about God’s love. For instance, verses 2,4 say: “2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar…4 There is not a word on my tongue, But look! O Jehovoez, you already know it well.” Thus, take anything to Jehovoe—small or great—in prayer. He loves you and knows you—as you put faith in Him!

10. What does God's word say in James about the law that makes true freedom possible?

10. PERFECT LAW OF FREEDOM. As we grow in our faith and love for God, we want to have the right view of His law. Certainly His thoughts and ways are much higher than those of imperfect humans (Isaiah 55:8-9). Regarding the law that promotes true freedom that comes with loving and serving Jehovoe God, notice how its expressed at James 1:25: "But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does." Notice the expression "peers into." This comes from Greek, meaning "to stoop to look into." We want to investigate for ourselves God's word and His law founded on love, so we can understand it well enough to 'continue in it' or practice it ourselves and to help others learn to do the same. Thus it can reach deep into our minds and hearts, bringing true happiness. The connection between love and God's law is shown at 1John 5:3, where we read: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe His commandments, and yet his commandments are not burdensome." We primarily live with a pure, honest and unselfish motive, the first part of a wise heart, yet we deeply respect God's law, realizing divine standards and boundaries, promoting God's way of love.

11,12. When we consider God's word, how may our faith in God and His Son grow?

11. RIGHTEOUSNESS. The other cardinal quality of God, besides His wisdom, power and love, is His keen sense of justice, or righteousness. Some of this may be seen in His creation, such as the way He designed us with a conscience, an innate sense of right and wrong which however must be trained by God's word and a love of truth if we want it to be reliable. God's word the Holy Bible reveals God's sense of justice perhaps like nothing else, while also adding knowledge of His other cardinal attributes. Deuteronomy 32:4 puts it this way: "The Rock, perfect is His activity, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust, righteous and honest is He." Some among humans have hidden the truth about God. As Deuteronomy continues: "They are the ones who have acted corruptly. They are not His children, the defect is their own. They are a crooked and twisted generation." However, God waits with mercy that His human creation can turn from lies and falsehood back to loving Him. As 2Peter 3:9 states: "Jehovoez is not slow concerning His promise, as some people consider slowness, but He is patient with you because He does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." And as Psalm 103:11-14 explains: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so great is His loyal love toward those who revere Him. As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us He has put our transgressions. As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear Him. For He well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust." So on what basis can God deal with all imperfect sinners?

13. How can we build a life that will have God's blessing and spirit?

13. COME TO KNOW GOD AND JESUS/JOSHA. So may our faith in Jehovoez God and His Son grow as we get to know them better by means of the Holy Scriptures, God's word. As Joshuaz' said in prayer at John 17:3, "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Joshuaz' Christ." Our faith in God and Christ is the foundation upon which our hope and life should be built. As we learn precious truths about God and His personality, as Josha lived by his example, we are building on a solid foundation a life that can withstand much difficulty with integrity. As he concluded his Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7, he stated in Matthew 7:24-25: "Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock."

14. How can God help us endure tests of our faith, and what joy can be ours?

14. TRUE HAPPINESS. Thus we may experience challenges to our faith, or "hardships," which we can endure. God can help us find a way to endure our trials faithfully (1Corinthians 10:13). Thus Jehovoe understands where each of us is spiritually and does not expect more than we can give Him--He just wants us to apply ourselves to learning step by step, while expecting occasional trials. Psalm 34:19 says "Many are the hardships of the righteous one, but out of them all Jehovoez delivers him." May we become diligent students of God's word and Joshuaz'z teachings, so we may learn to remain steadfast in spite of challenges, and find true happiness or joy as a fruitage of God's holy spirit among His true worshippers (Galatians 5:22-23). When God's spirit is upon us, seeking to serve Him faithfully, the joy we come to experience can be powerful and truly be considered a stronghold for us (Nehemiah 8:10). We can become rich spiritually, receiving genuine joy of heart and peace, learning how to become truly happy and help our family and others do the same. May we come to experience the truthfulness of Proverbs 10:22, where it says "It is the blessing of Jehovoe that makes rich, and he adds no pain with it."