righteousness, since they will be filled.” But to gain salvation, you cannot hold back from telling others of such wonderful things, even as it is pointed out at Romans 10:10: “For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.”

¹¹ The taught ones will be teachers, and teachers must have knowledge. The teacher Paul told Timothy: “These things commit to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim. 2:2) It is one thing for us to learn new and interesting things for ourselves. Like when preparing a meal for ourselves, we may take many shortcuts, perhaps resulting in only a light snack or sandwich. We do not get a strength-producing meal. Soon we wonder why we are lacking in physical well-being and happiness. So it is another thing for us to be strong enough to teach others.

¹² But if we are to commit these things to others, we ponder, we think out ways of teaching these points to persons with various beliefs. We prepare food for many spiritual meals. Being concerned with others’ getting a well-rounded-out understanding of Bible truths, we ourselves become well balanced. We are in position to teach others the knowledge of God. We enjoy peace with Jehovah and can assist others to pursue peace with him.

¹³ Yet there is still another reason for making sure that our teaching will be accurate and effective. These ones whom we teach must be taught so as to “be adequately qualified to teach others.” What a difference there is between making a hasty snack for yourself and preparing a fine meal for a family of friends! Yet there is still a greater difference in teaching these friends to prepare such a dinner for their friends. The truths we teach these faithful men will be carried on to others, but such men must not take on the philosophies of men or water down the truth to allow compromise, or become just a school of new things. They must accurately relay Jehovah’s truth to all those meek ones anywhere on the earth, that these may know God’s will and enjoy peace that comes from him. We can therefore appreciate why, in seeking to find peace, we need to get knowledge, accurate knowledge, not only of Jehovah God, but also of his sacrificed son, Jesus Christ. The inspired Bible writer Peter, in expressing his prayer for the peace seekers to whom he wrote, said: “May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, forasmuch as his divine power has given us freely all the things that concern life and godly devotion, through the accurate knowledge of the one who called us through glory and virtue.”—2 Pet. 1:2, 3.

14. Of what great value is the constant turning to the Bible in our teaching of men of goodwill?

¹⁴ The truth must be explained simply, as Jesus explained it in his earthly ministry, talking to people in language they could understand and in such a way that they could pass on the information. (John 4; Luke 24) Thorough knowledge is required to teach in a simple manner. To make sure of this we must show others where it is found in God’s Word, the Bible. Then when our words are forgotten, it can be looked up by others again, and there it is just as accurate and reliable as when Jesus said 1900 years ago: “Your word is truth.”—John 17:17.

15. What takes our study out of the dreary-task category and makes it an occasion to look forward to with anticipation?

¹⁵ To have this kind of knowledge, one must study. Getting knowledge should not be viewed as a dreary task, delving into dry facts and volumes of reading. Rather, it is a spiritual meal we look forward to. We are eager to pursue after these treasures of Jehovah. Material food is enjoyed to the full if by preparing it carefully every accent of flavor is brought out. Time is involved in the preparation and eating of it if it is to be appreciated and meet up with our expectations. So it is with spiritual food. We must search and dig if we want the rewards that Proverbs 2:4-6 promised: “If you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment.”

URGENT NEED OF KNOWLEDGE

16. (a) What reasons are there to impel us to study regularly? (b) Illustrate the need for spiritual food.

¹⁶ Many reasons urge us to get knowledge. We live at the time when it is possible to see the end of this wicked world. Pressure is increasing; “the days are wicked.” (Eph. 5:16) We need knowledge. Professed servants of God have been destroyed because they lacked knowledge. (Hos. 4:6, 9) We cannot fool the God of wisdom. He is the Maker of requirements for life in his future paradise world. Then we should not deceive ourselves into thinking that increased knowledge is only for a chosen few. Physical food and drink are absolutely essential for everyone to stay alive; there is no substitute that will keep the body alive. Neither can we find an alternative for study to gain knowledge. There is no question about it, “this means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) Yet another reason that urges us to get knowledge is that our “delight is in the law of Jehovah.” (Ps. 1:2) If this is our attitude we will be very useful to Jehovah God in assisting many others to growth in his organization and in making known the way of peace to our neighbors. Often we have to urge persons to eat material food. “My son, eat honey, for it is good; and let sweet comb honey be upon your palate. In the same way, do know wisdom for your soul. If you have found it, then there exists a future, and your own hope will not be cut off.”—Prov. 24:13, 14.

17-19. What will it be necessary to do in order to find time for keeping up with all there is to study in the congregations?

¹⁷ Now consider one of the obstacles to getting knowledge, time. When is the best time, how much time can I devote to study, and what time-improving method will bring me the greatest rewards of knowledge? Think of the time spent in study as being an investment that will bring you returns in abundance. Will you be careful and prudent about your time and yet not stingy so that you end up like the rich who die of malnutrition? Paul gives good advice at Ephesians 5:15, 16: “So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.”

¹⁸ The time set aside needs to be sufficient to allow you to prepare for your Bible studies with your congregation every week. You want to read good upbuilding articles like those that appear in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Your desire for knowledge will lead you into study of Bible doctrines and questions that others ask you. All of this study requires time.

¹⁹ There are many persons who attend meetings three evenings a week with their congregation and conduct a Bible study with a newly interested person on another evening and still they have three evenings to invest in study or other pursuits. But why not spend one of them with your family in a study of God’s Word?

20. If we cancel or postpone study periods, what should guide us in making such a decision?

²⁰ To accomplish something, these study arrangements have to be regular, established periods that are not postponed for everything else. Here we follow the principle outlined in Jehovah’s Word at Matthew 6:33: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom.” The only time to postpone these study periods is when something more important in Jehovah’s eyes demands attention.

WHY STUDY

21. What determines whether Jehovah will grant us knowledge of him and his will or not?

²¹ Probably the most asked question is: “How should I study?” At the very outset the most important thing is to study with a right attitude. The motive spurring our search for knowledge is what will determine whether we are going to have Jehovah’s continued assistance or not. This point is well illustrated at Matthew 13:23: “As for the one sown upon the fine soil, this is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit.”

22. Progress in knowledge is based upon recognition of what facts?

²² The following facts should be indelibly set in our mind, by reviewing them until they are a fixed part of our thinking. If we do this, we will never stop in our gaining of knowledge. Christians must increase in knowledge. (Heb. 5:12–6:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:13) Jehovah is the Grand Instructor. (Isa. 30:20) Christ Jesus is the Master Teacher. (Matt. 5:2; 13:1-52; Mark 4:1, 2; 9:31; John 3:2; 13:13; 15:1-8; 20:16) In gaining knowledge we sit at the feet of divine heavenly teachers. (Isa. 54:13; John 6:45) Jehovah’s spirit is essential to gaining knowledge. (John 14:26; 4:24; Acts 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:10) Jehovah has revealed himself and his purposes through the Bible. It is a storehouse of divine wisdom. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; John 17:17; 2 Pet. 1:19, 21) Jehovah uses his organization to teach and feed his people. (Matt. 24:45-47) Hence believe without suspicion the truth set forth by the “faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor. 13:7) Jehovah teaches only meek ones. (Ps. 25:9) The teaching from Jehovah brings peace. (Isa. 54:13; Ps. 119:165) Acquire knowledge for the benefit of others. (Prov. 15:28; 20:5; 14:25) Knowledge is not all that Jehovah requires of his people. (2 Pet. 1:5-8) Our knowledge must be accurate. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4; Col. 3:2, 9, 10) Faith is developed according to accurate knowledge. (Eph. 4:13; Col. 2:6, 7) The student must express himself as he understands the truth. (Gal. 6:6) He cannot have independent thinking. Thoughts must be obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5) We need help to get knowledge. (Prov. 4:18; 1 Cor. 2:13; Luke 24:32) We are obligated to listen and learn. (Heb. 2:1) Firmness and discipline are needed to gain knowledge. (Matt. 16:21-23; Prov. 4:13; 17:10) Receive the truth with appreciation. (Jas. 1:21) Prayerfully seek knowledge. (Jas. 1:5-7; Matt. 7:7; Mark 11:24; Col. 1:9, 10) Be free of faultfinding. (Rom. 8:5; Acts 17:11) There are no shortcuts to gain knowledge, no substitutes for study. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Prov. 2:1-7) Review is essential to the retaining of truths. (John 14:26; 2 Pet. 1:12; 3:1, 2; Rom. 15:14, 15) Meditation is essential to holding knowledge. (Prov. 15:28; Ps. 77:12; Gen. 24:63; 2 Tim. 2:7) Knowledge means life. (John 17:3; Matt. 4:4) Thinking ability is guarded and developed by knowledge.—Prov. 3:21, 22; 2:1, 10-15.

23. Illustrations serve what purpose?

²³ Illustrations are an aid to understanding. In gaining the knowledge Jesus brought to us we will find many interesting illustrations used to make points forceful and clear. Matthew 13:34, 35; 15:15 indicate how Jesus used illustrations; he used ones easily understood by farmers, fishermen, housewives, and those in other walks of life. Today illustrations are freely used in the publications of Jehovah’s witnesses. Notice them in the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained and how they assist the reader to appreciate more fully the printed information.

LIVING WHAT YOU READ

24-30. What points illustrated in Judges 6-8 stick in your mind, helping you to remember this account and to gain in knowledge of Jehovah?

²⁴ Having a fertile mind well cultivated now by these principles, we can launch off into a most captivating feast of Jehovah’s Word. To get the most out of the pictures unfolding before us we visualize mentally the happenings involved in the event. With Judges chapters 6-8, come with us into the past when judges ruled Israel and we will join ourselves to a farmer called Gideon. He has just been visited by Jehovah’s angel, who proves that Gideon has been chosen to save the Israelites from the Midianites. We are soon caught up in a chain of fast-moving happenings. In the night down comes the altar of Baal and up goes the altar of Jehovah, sending the city fathers looking for the blood of Gideon. You hear Gideon’s father send them on their way, with a challenge to their god Baal. Gideon’s messengers bring together 32,000 men, and now with two more signs from God that erase any doubts from Gideon’s mind we march to the well of Harod, under five miles from the massive camp of marauding Midianites in the Valley of Jezreel.

²⁵ But now you can hardly believe your eyes. Gideon is doing what Jehovah long ago commanded the army officers to do. “The officers must . . . say, ‘Who is the man that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, that he may not cause the hearts of his brothers to melt as his own heart.’” (Deut. 20:8) Does your heart nearly melt when you learn 22,000 men go home? What will be done, for the Midianites are like insects for numbers, and what if they should know of Gideon’s plan and the size of his army now reduced to 10,000?

²⁶ Now they are led to water. They stop to drink! A few quickly scoop a handful of water to their mouth and almost immediately these are separated to one side to make just 300 in all. The 9,700 that went down on their knees to drink water are being sent home! You remember the angel’s words to Gideon: “You will certainly strike down Midian as if one man.” (Judg. 6:16) But with so few? No wonder this place, the name of the well of Harod, means “trembling.”

²⁷ Consider yourself now as one of the three hundred. You conclude now that if we win it will be by Jehovah’s power, not ours, and we do well to follow his instructions through Gideon without any more anxieties. You now have the point that Jehovah is emphasizing to all present and future generations: follow instructions.

²⁸ Night falls, Gideon scouts the enemy camp and is made strong by what he hears. He returns soon and organizes the 300 into three bands. Each man receives the strangest fighting equipment: trumpets, and torches in large opaque jars. Gideon teaches us how to use them and reveals the signal.

²⁹ And now we start, at midnight; the darkness crowding in like a wall deadens the sounds of moving men. Suppose some one falls in the dark and awakens the enemy, or someone overly anxious does not wait for Gideon’s signal, but independently runs ahead of Jehovah’s arrangements. It is a tense time, you feel it in your bones; seconds seem like hours. You draw near, you can hear muffled voices of the enemy as they post sentries for the midnight watch. The camp sleeps. And then, three hundred and one resonant trumpets join in sonorous blast, three hundred and one water jars are smashed, three hundred and one torches are held high as three hundred and one male voices thunder out “Jehovah’s sword and Gideon’s!”

³⁰ The Midianite camp breaks into destructive panic. The camp that was as the sand of the sea turns to a running disorderly mass. They turn on each other, killing in mad confusion. Blind flight takes them mile after mile over rugged territory, with one hundred and twenty thousand men killed by their own fellows and by the other Israelites that Gideon called to bottle up the way to escape at the crossing places at the Jordan.

31. (a) How can we file material to be remembered for future use? (b) But what really is the most essential point to be kept in mind?

³¹ It is a sight you will never forget. So you will not forget if you live what you read while you study. Use all your senses. Use description to create a picture. Stir up your imagination. Be a part of the event. Taste the food. Drive the horses. Climb the rocks. Blow the trumpets. Walk in the damp grass. Feel the occasion; get the sense of it. And while you do all of this, apply the counsel given to yourself. If you print on your mind the reasons for the actions taken and how Jehovah’s name and will are involved you will recall this knowledge readily for use. Notice how long remembered Gideon’s actions are in the Bible, and, more importantly, that Jehovah was the one that brought the victory.—1 Sam. 12:11; Ps. 83:9, 11; Isa. 9:4; 10:26; Heb. 11:32.

Add to Your Knowledge Every Day

1. Contrast the growth of one gaining wisdom of men with that from God’s Word.

MANY persons balk at making new Scriptural ideas their own, no doubt because they will have to give up old ideas that are not in line with Bible truth. If we cling to man-made wisdom in preference to God’s teaching, we will grow but it will be in pride, followed quickly by envy, strife, suspicion, and our easily disturbed mind will be a very unhealthy one. (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Great happiness comes from changing our personality and from experiencing the replacing of old selfish ideas with solid Bible principles. (Eph. 4:22-24) You will be able to look back and compare your former thinking and its unreasonableness with the truth and the logic that you now have to use in understanding fine details of the great panoramic picture recorded in the Bible.

2, 3. While it is necessary to stop in study to look up cited scriptures and to go to the dictionary or other helps, what must we avoid?

² To accomplish the most in the time you have requires that you stick to the subject under study. If we were to look up the meaning of a word in the dictionary and then read the definitions of all the other words listed there, we would not gain the desired information from our study. Get the idea that is the theme and fit all the relative details into place to support that idea. Otherwise your knowledge will be like the unfinished picture puzzle, limited to just little patches of scenes that could be added to and thus enlarged to a grand view of Jehovah’s will if you stuck to the subject. For example, notice how much we would have missed of the account of Gideon if in the preceding article we had not gotten the main idea involved and expressed at Judges 7:2.

³ The publications used by Jehovah’s witnesses cite many scriptures that space does not permit printing. To get the full sense of the points made, these scriptures are essential or they would not be cited. Looking up the scriptures in paragraph 22 of the previous article will soon impress upon one’s mind the point, that Jehovah understands how to teach us since he has revealed so many facts concerning knowledge and how it works.

4, 5. (a) What desired blessing will regular review of the truth give us? (b) Where can we find help on research for knowledge of God?

⁴ Our reviewing ideas learned plants them deeper in our mind and also causes us to express the ideas, which is the way we convey them to others. In fact, an excellent way to review is to discuss with others the things learned. Repeated ideas become your working tools. Peter wrote: “This is now the second letter I am writing you, in which, as in my first one, I am arousing your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.” (2 Pet. 3:1, 2) Jehovah’s spirit brings back truths learned. (John 14:26) Lively discussions that review the knowledge we have gained are encouraging and upbuilding to all participants. In fact, Paul reveals that the reason for his visit to his fellow Christians in Rome was to view them and have an exchanging of encouragement. “For I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you in order for you to be made firm; or, rather, that there may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”—Rom. 1:11, 12.

⁵ It is expected that, in an organization so given to teaching as Jehovah’s witnesses are, there would be practical suggestions on how to do research. There are; and more, there are many invaluable aids to assist the student in his research.

6. Where should we look first for research equipment, and what do you find in yours?

⁶ First, examine your Bible for research equipment. The table of contents lists books and the page number for locating these books. The pages may have marginal references, with symbols to locate other scriptures having to do with the same topic. The original edition of the New World Translation of the Bible contains a valuable chain reference as well as footnotes with material that would require months of study to compile, yet there it is for your use. If you have a copy of the original edition, turn your New World Translation to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and notice the extensive footnotes and the help they render in the understanding of the texts. See Genesis 1:16 and footnote a, which reads: “‘Make.’ Not ‘create,’ as in Ge 1 verses 1, 21, 27 and in Ge chapter 2, verse 3.” This shows a difference.

7. Why is a Bible concordance helpful, and what features does yours have?

⁷ A Bible concordance is your “right-hand man” when it comes to finding Scripture texts. You may remember only a principal word, such as “teach,” but in the concordance, usually in the back of your Bible, you will find many words listed and where or in what Bible verses to locate them. Perhaps you want to know if we shall ever enjoy peace; so “peace” is your word, and you will find it in the concordance with scriptures giving you a broad view of that subject. There are more helpful features in various concordances that will be explained to you in the explanatory information of these Bible concordances.

PRACTICAL BIBLE AIDS

8-10. Explain the assistance available in the various publications of Jehovah’s witnesses. Why have such libraries?

⁸ In the publications of Jehovah’s witnesses you will find many practical aids to research. The subject index in the book “Your Will Be Done on Earth,” on page 378, under “World Powers,” lists seven world powers and page numbers of printed paragraphs thereon for our understanding of these in history and in God’s purposes. Information on the doctrine of “hell-fire” can be found by turning to the subject index of “Let God Be True,” and there we are directed to page 98 for the truth. The book “Equipped for Every Good Work” contains a book-by-book discussion of the Bible, along with facts pertaining to the writers, the time period these books cover and Bible languages. Various translations and descriptions of Bible composition are treated.

⁹ Additionally, these publications have scripture indexes. So if you are wondering what is meant at 1 Corinthians 7:39, to marry “only in the Lord,” you would find that scripture listed in the index of the book “This Means Everlasting Life” and a reference to page 149 for the explanation. The Watch Tower Publications Index is printed at the end of each year, with both a scripture and a subject index. You could look up 1 Corinthians 7:39 in the Index and find that in the 1960 and 1961 issues of The Watchtower there is outstanding and timely material on marriage.

¹⁰ Special features of these publications should not be overlooked. In the book “New Heavens and a New Earth,” page 364, is a chart of outstanding historical dates, running all the way from Adam’s creation in 4025 B.C. to A.D. 1945, when the United Nations comes into existence. This chart is complete with scripture references. On page 367 of the book You May Survive Armageddon into God’s New World is a list of forty-two prophecies in the Bible of those survivors who will live on this earth forever. The book “Your Will Be Done on Earth,” page 365, has a chronological chart of world powers, covering the time period 607 B.C. to A.D. 1926. “Make Sure of All Things” sets forth seventy principal themes with a well-rounded-out Scriptural coverage. Then there are maps, difficult texts explained and appendix material in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1961 edition. All these publications provide so much nourishment when used as courses of our spiritual meal. Know where to find information. Be acquainted with the books you have in your own library.

11. Why can Bible dictionaries be very useful in research on many facts, and yet why can they not be trusted fully on doctrines and prophecy?

¹¹ Bible dictionaries are very useful in supplying details often overlooked in our study. The Bible itself is a never-ending source of new things. It contains information on every imaginable subject, dealing with the affairs of entire nations and civilizations, involving the daily life and customs of peoples. It does not always supply details. For example, read of the furnishings of homes mentioned at Amos 3:12, 15; 6:4; Ezekiel 27:15-24; Proverbs 7:16, 17; 31:21-24. You could look for further details under “House,” in the Bible dictionary. But a word of caution is in order. These dictionaries are written by men trained in various religious faiths and so are divided in opinions. When they enter the field of doctrine or prophecy they are not all reliable guides. The instrument to be trusted for building up knowledge of doctrine and prophecy would be the one measuring up to 1 Corinthians 1:10, namely: “You should all speak in agreement, . . . there should not be divisions among you.”

DAILY SPIRITUAL FOOD

12. What provision is available for adding to our knowledge every day? Is this just for Jehovah’s witnesses?

¹² As regular daily eating of food keeps us strong so daily feeding on God’s Word strengthens us, not just for that day; but having added to the knowledge we already have, we progress on to maturity and to full growth, imitating our example, Christ Jesus. The annual Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses in English and German provides for this daily necessity. How? A Scripture text is listed for each day of the year with, underneath, a one-paragraph excerpt from the Watchtower magazine commenting on the text. This wonderful provision is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of persons of goodwill toward God. Issues of The Watchtower in other languages contain regularly the daily texts for the month, together with references to where the comments thereon can be found in The Watchtower in their respective language.

13-16. (a) Illustrate how we can use this provision to good advantage. (b) What do the Scriptures say such daily practice will do for us?

¹³ By taking advantage of this provision note how much you can learn. For example, take September 23, 1962. Hebrews 6:1 is the text for the day, and it reads: “Let us press on to maturity.” That has reference, not to bodily growth, but to spiritual growth as a Christian in knowledge, understanding, good qualities, and ability to teach the Bible to others.

¹⁴ The comment from the June 15, 1961 issue of The Watchtower on this text makes the point that, regardless of age, we can retain the will to learn and keep the mind active, and that we have many advantages as a result of our years of study toward gaining Christian maturity. In short, we never get too old to learn. The article entitled “Progressing Toward Maturity” in that issue offers much practical information on using and advancing in knowledge.

¹⁵ Turn back to the Bible now and read chapter five of Hebrews, which leads up to Hebrews 6:1, and as you do, try to discern why that statement is made at the beginning of chapter six. You will also note that Hebrews 5:11-14 gives us the reason why we do not outgrow learning. If you were to read the chapter surrounding the daily text every day, you would read a third of the Bible each year.

¹⁶ The chain reference in the six-volume edition of the New World Translation of the Bible will increase your understanding by referring you to other scriptures that are related to the daily text. The first five chapters of Hebrews 1-5 deal with paying attention to what we have heard and learned. This matter of daily spiritual food for growing to maturity is well epitomized at Proverbs 8:32-34: “Listen to me; yes, happy are the ones that keep my very ways. Listen to discipline and become wise, and do not show any neglect. Happy is the man that is listening to me by keeping awake at my doors day by day.”

17. (a) Appreciating the value of all these helps will cause us to do what? (b) Yet what is the key to getting knowledge?

¹⁷ The key to continued growth in knowledge is to remain always under the blessing of the greatest Teacher, whose wisdom we shall never exhaust. Each day we can look forward to more knowledge that will serve as a basis for our entire living. (Prov. 4:10-13, 18) The only way you can grow in knowledge is to use it.—Hos. 4:6.

18, 19. Is the greatest enjoyment found in the eating of spiritual food?

¹⁸ What would you think of a mother who allowed her daughter to grow up without teaching her how to prepare food and to cook a meal, or a father who neglected to teach his son how to work? Not much. These neglected children would always look back with regrets on the lack