1, 2. (a) What can result from a lack of self-control? (b) Why is the topic of self-control relevant today?

SELF-CONTROL is a godly quality. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Jehovah possesses self-control in perfect measure. Humans, however, are imperfect and therefore struggle to maintain self-control. Indeed, many of the problems that people face today stem from a lack of self-control. That lack may result in procrastination and underperformance in school or at work. It may also lead to verbal abuse, drunkenness, violence, divorce, needless debt, addiction, imprisonment, emotional trauma, sexually transmitted disease, and unwanted pregnancy, to name a few.​—Ps. 34:11-14.

² Clearly, people who lack self-control are causing problems for themselves and for others. And the problem of lacking self-control is worsening. Self-discipline was studied in the 1940’s, but recent studies have shown that people have become much worse at exercising self-discipline. This is no surprise to students of God’s Word because the Bible foretold that one evidence that we are living in “the last days” is that men would be “without self-control.”​—2 Tim. 3:1-3.

3. Why should Christians want to cultivate self-control?

³ Why should you be interested in cultivating self-control? Consider two important reasons. First, it has been observed  that people who are able to control their impulses generally have fewer major problems. They are more stable emotionally, they are better at forming wholesome relationships, and they are not as angry and prone to anxiety and depression as are impulsive people. Second, the ability to resist temptation and to control inappropriate impulses is fundamental to retaining God’s favor. The failure of Adam and Eve illustrates this truth. (Gen. 3:6) And think of the sad results reaped by others who since then have failed to exercise this important quality.

4. What should be encouraging to any who are struggling to exercise self-control?

⁴ No imperfect human can exercise perfect self-control. Jehovah is aware of his servants’ struggles in this regard, and he wants to help them dominate their sinful tendencies. (1 Ki. 8:46-50) As a loving Friend, he warmly encourages sincere individuals who want to serve him but who have a hard time exercising self-control in some area of life. Let us consider Jehovah’s perfect example. Then we will learn from good examples and bad ones recounted in the Bible. And we can review practical suggestions that can help us to strengthen our self-control.

5, 6. What example does Jehovah provide regarding self-control?

⁵ Jehovah exercises the quality of self-control perfectly, for he is perfect in all that he does. (Deut. 32:4) We, however, are imperfect. Even so, in order to understand the quality of self-control, we need to examine Jehovah’s example so that we can better imitate him. What are some noteworthy instances when Jehovah displayed self-control?

⁶ Think about how Jehovah exercised self-control in dealing with Satan’s brazen rebellion. That challenge needed to be met. The Devil’s challenge no doubt aroused indignation, anger, and contempt among heavenly creatures loyal to God. Perhaps you feel similar emotions when you consider all the suffering Satan has caused. Jehovah, however, did not react hastily. His response was measured and entirely fitting. He has been slow to anger and has been just in dealing with Satan’s revolt. (Ex. 34:6; Job 2:2-6) Why? Jehovah has allowed time to pass because he does not want anyone to be destroyed but “desires all to attain to repentance.”​—2 Pet. 3:9.

7. What can we learn from Jehovah’s example?

⁷ Jehovah’s exercise of self-control teaches us that we too ought to weigh our words and consider our steps carefully; we should not rush into things. When you face an important issue, give yourself the time you need to act wisely. Pray for wisdom to say or do the right thing. (Ps. 141:3) In the heat of the moment, it is all too easy to react emotionally. Many of us have lived to regret hasty words or rash actions!​—Prov. 14:29; 15:28; 19:2.

8. (a) Where can we look for examples of godly qualities? (b) What enabled Joseph to respond as he did when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him? (See opening picture.)

⁸ What Bible examples underscore the value of controlling our reactions? You can no doubt recall several Bible characters who exercised appropriate restraint when tested. One is Jacob’s son Joseph.  He showed restraint when he was serving in the house of Potiphar, the chief of Pharaoh’s guards. Potiphar’s wife set her eyes on Joseph, who was “well-built and handsome,” and she tried to seduce him. What prevented Joseph from succumbing to her repeated advances? No doubt, he took the time to consider what the consequences would be if he were to lower his guard. And when the situation became critical, he fled from her. He reasoned: “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?”​—Gen. 39:6, 9; read Proverbs 1:10.

9. How can you prepare yourself to resist temptations?

⁹ What does Joseph’s example teach us? One thing is that we may need to flee from the temptation to break one of God’s laws. In the past, some who are now Witnesses struggled with overeating, heavy drinking, smoking, drug abuse, sexual immorality, and the like. Even after baptism, they may at times be tempted to return to their former practices. Still, if you are ever tempted to break one of Jehovah’s laws, strengthen yourself by taking time to ponder the disastrous spiritual consequences that you could face for failing to restrain sinful impulses. You can try to foresee situations in which temptations could likely present themselves and decide how you can avoid them. (Ps. 26:4, 5; Prov. 22:3) Should you ever face such a test, ask Jehovah to give you the wisdom and self-control to resist.

10, 11. (a) What reality do many adolescents have to face at school? (b) What can help young Christians to resist pressures to engage in wrong conduct?

¹⁰ Many young Christians face a trial like Joseph’s. Consider Kim. Most of her classmates were sexually active, and after a typical weekend, they boasted of their latest sexual encounters. Kim had no such stories to tell. She admits that being different at times made her feel “abandoned and alone” and that her peers considered her stupid because she did not date. Yet, Kim was wise enough to know that among many youths the temptation to engage in sex is great. (2 Tim. 2:22) Schoolmates often asked whether she was still a virgin. That gave her the opportunity to explain why she would not engage in sex. We are proud of young Christians who are determined to resist pressure to share in sexual immorality, and Jehovah is proud of them too!

¹¹ The Bible gives warning examples of individuals who lacked self-control concerning sexual conduct. It also shows the sad consequences that can result from such uncontrolled behavior. Anyone facing a situation similar to that of Kim would do well to ponder the case of the naive young man described in Proverbs chapter 7. Think, too, of the course Amnon took and the terrible outcome of his behavior. (2 Sam. 13:1, 2, 10-15, 28-32) Parents might help their children to develop self-control and wisdom in regard to romantic relationships by discussing the topic during family worship, using the Bible passages just mentioned.

12. (a) How did Joseph restrain his emotions in dealing with his brothers? (b) In what situations must we restrain our emotions?

¹² On another occasion, Joseph again set a fine example of self-control. To understand what was in his brothers’ hearts, Joseph concealed his identity when they appeared before him in Egypt to buy food. And when his feelings were  particularly intense, he withdrew to a private place to hide his tears. (Gen. 43:30, 31; 45:1) If a fellow Christian or a loved one displays poor judgment, your showing restraint similar to that of Joseph might help you to avoid an impulsive reaction. (Prov. 16:32; 17:27) If you have disfellowshipped relatives, you may need to control your feelings in order to avoid unnecessary contact with them. Self-restraint in such situations is not automatic, yet it is easier if we realize that our actions are in line with God’s example and in harmony with his counsel.

13. What lessons can we learn from accounts concerning King David?

¹³ The Bible offers a notable example in King David. He wielded great power but refrained from using it out of anger when provoked by Saul and Shimei. (1 Sam. 26:9-11; 2 Sam. 16:5-10) That is not to say that David always controlled himself, as we know from his sin with Bath-sheba and his initial reaction to Nabal’s greed. (1 Sam. 25:10-13; 2 Sam. 11:2-4) Nevertheless, we can learn valuable lessons from David. First, overseers among God’s people need to be especially careful to exercise self-control so that they do not abuse their authority. Second, no one can be complacent, thinking that he is safe from temptation.​—1 Cor. 10:12.

14. What experience did one brother have, and why are our reactions in similar situations important?

¹⁴ What can you do to work on your self-control? Consider this real-life situation. A vehicle rear-ended Luigi’s car. Despite being in the wrong, the other driver insulted Luigi and tried to start a fight. Luigi prayed, asked Jehovah to help him keep his composure, and tried to calm the other driver​—but to no avail. Luigi made a note of the man’s insurance details and left while the man was still shouting. A week later, Luigi was making a return visit on a woman and he learned that her husband was the other driver! The man was embarrassed and apologized for his tirade. He offered to contact Luigi’s insurance company to speed up the claim. The man took part in the spiritual conversation and appreciated what was being said. In hindsight, Luigi could see how important it was that he had kept calm after the accident and how detrimental it could have been had he lost his temper.​—Read 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.

15, 16. How can Bible study help you and your family to cultivate self-control?

¹⁵ Diligent and conscientious Bible study can help Christians to develop self-control. Recall that God told Joshua: “This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely.” (Josh. 1:8) How is it that Bible study can help you to cultivate self-control?

¹⁶ As we have just noted, the Scriptures contain accounts that vividly illustrate both the benefits and the consequences of our actions. Jehovah had these accounts recorded for a purpose. (Rom. 15:4) How wise it is to read them, meditate on them, and study them! Try to grasp how they apply to you and your family. Ask Jehovah to help you to apply  his Word. If you discern that you are deficient in some aspect of self-control, admit it. Then pray about it, and strive to see how you can improve. (Jas. 1:5) No doubt, research in our Christian publications can help you to locate relevant material that will further help you.

17. In what ways can parents help their children to develop self-control?

¹⁷ How can you help your children to develop self-control? Parents know that this quality does not come naturally to young people. And as is the case with all qualities that their children need to learn, parents should set the example. (Eph. 6:4) So if you see that your children are struggling to control their impulses, ask yourself whether you are setting a fine example. Do not minimize the good effect of your being regular in the field service, in attending meetings, and in conducting family worship. Do not be afraid to say no to your children’s requests if need be! Jehovah set limits for Adam and Eve​—limits that could have instilled in them a proper regard for his authority. Similarly, parental discipline and example have the goal of teaching children self-control. Love for God’s authority and respect for his standards are among the most precious things that you can cultivate in your children.​—Read Proverbs 1:5, 7, 8.

18. Why can you be confident that good associations will prove to be a blessing?

¹⁸ Certainly, whether you are a parent or not, you should not overlook the need to choose your associations wisely. Seek the company of those who will encourage you to pursue worthwhile goals and avoid trouble. (Prov. 13:20) Spiritually-minded associates will have a positive influence on you, moving you to imitate their course of life marked by self-control. And no doubt your good conduct will encourage your friends. The self-control that results is fundamental to your enjoying everyday life in God’s favor and to sharing good things with your loved ones.

1, 2. (a) Vbe a lae miẹn deghẹ ai sẹtin dia egbe ọmwa? (b) Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke na ziro yan ẹmwẹ na?

A DIA EGBE ỌMWA keghi akpa ne Osanobua hoo ne ima gha mwẹ. (Gal. 5:22, 23) E Jehova tobọre keghi dia egbe ẹre vbe odẹ nọ gbae. Sokpan rhunmwuda ne ima na re emwa ni ma gba, ma i sẹtin dia egbe ima vberriọ. Vbene ẹmwata, emwa nibun keghi rre uwu ọlọghọmwa vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ, rhunmwuda ne iran i na sẹtin dia egbe iran. Emwa nẹi sẹtin dia egbe iran keghi ya emwi ne kpataki rhẹghẹrẹ. Ẹre ọ si ẹre ne emwa eso i na mu aro ye ebe vbe owebe, ẹre ọ vbe si ẹre ne eso na ya iwinna iran ku vbe isiwinna. Ọ vbe ya emwa tie ẹbọ, ọ ya emwa da ayọn gbe egbe, ọ si igbinnoguo nọ ghi ya emwa eso ye eghan, ebe orọnmwẹ na sọ, osa nọ ma khẹke na de fi, uyinmwẹ dan nọ gu ọmwa obọ ro nọ lọghọ ne a ban, akhiẹ, okpe emianmwẹ na mu vbe oghẹ kevbe ẹko ne a mu vbe oghẹ.—Psm. 34:11-14.

² Emwa nẹi sẹtin dia egbe iran keghi si egbe iran kevbe emwa ọvbehe fi ẹti. Emwa i ghi sẹtin dia egbe iran hiehie vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Vbe ukpo 1940 ya sẹ odẹ ukpo 1949, emwa ni gualọ otọ emwi dinmwi keghi do bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ emwa wa ye gha mu egbe ye ọghọ vbe ẹghẹ nii. Te emwa ghi wa yin pirhipirhi vbe ẹghẹ na. Ọna i zẹdẹ kpa eguọmwadia Osanobua odin rhunmwuda iran rẹnrẹn wẹẹ, vbe “ẹdẹ okiekie,” te emwa khian gha yin vbene iran rhirhi miẹn.—2 Tim. 3:1-3.

3. Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne Ivbiotu e Kristi gha mu egbe ye ọghọ?

 ³ Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne ima gha mu egbe ye ọghọ? Gia ziro yan emwi eva ne kpataki. Okaro, emwa ni mu egbe ye ọghọ i gheghe de fi ẹti. Iran i si osi ye emwi nọ ma sẹ emwi, iran ze ọse ni maan, iran i vbe rherhe mu ohu. Nogieva, ne ima mieke na gha mwẹ ilekhue ọghe Osanobua, te ima gha mudia gbain vbuwe edanmwẹ, ma vbe sẹtin gha dia iziro ekhọe ima. Ọna ọre asefẹn ne Adam vbe Ivi na gbokhuẹre. (Gẹn. 3:6) Erriọ ẹbe ya rhuan emwa ni lele uviẹn Adam kevbe Ivi ke ẹghẹ gha dee.

4. De emwi nọ gha rhie igiọdu ne emwa ni hoo ne iran sẹtin gha dia egbe iran?

⁴ Emwa ni ma gba i sẹtin dia egbe iran vbe odẹ nọ gbae. E Jehova wa rẹn ọna, ẹre ọ zẹe ne ọ na ru iyobọ ne ima, ne ima sẹtin gha dia egbe ima vbe iziro dan gha la ima ekhọe. (1 Ọba 8:46-50) Ne Jehova na re Ọse nọ hoẹmwẹ ima, ọ keghi rhie igiọdu ne ima, rhunmwuda ọ rẹnrẹn wẹẹ, ọ lọghọ ne ima sẹtin gha dia egbe ima. Ma gha ziro yan igiemwi nọ gbae ọghe Jehova vbe ako iruẹmwi na. Ma gha vbe guan kaẹn igiemwi ọghe emwa ni mu egbe ye ọghọ kevbe ni ma mu egbe ye ọghọ vbe Baibol, ma ke do ziro yan emwi ne ima gha ru ne ima mieke na sẹtin gha dia egbe ima.

5, 6. De igiemwi esi ne Jehova rhie yotọ vbe odẹ ne ọ ya dia egbe ẹre?

⁵ E Jehova keghi dia egbe ẹre vbe odẹ nọ gbae. (Diut. 32:⁠4) Ima ma gba, ọrheyerriọ, te ọ khẹke ne ima ziro yan odẹ ne Jehova ya rhie akpa na ma, ne ima mieke na sẹtin gha ya egbe ta re. De odẹ eso ne Jehova he ya rhie akpa na ma?

⁶ Muẹn roro vbene Jehova ya dia egbe ẹre hẹ vbe Esu sọtẹ daa re. Vbe nai na gbawawẹ, evẹn ne Esu si e Jehova re ya ohu muẹn odibo nikẹre vbe ẹrinmwi, te ọ vbe kpa iran odin. Ẹi khian vbe ya ẹko rhiẹnrhiẹn uwẹ, deghẹ u na muẹn roro usẹ ne Esu si ye emwa nagbọn egbe. E Jehova ma ye okhirhikhirhi ze emwi ru. Ọ keghi loo ẹwaẹn, ọ na vbe gbe ibiẹ rrie do fi ebanban. (Ẹks. 34:6; Job 2:2-6) Vbọzẹe? Te ọ rhie ẹghẹ nọ somwa yọ rhunmwuda, ọ ma hoo ne “ọmwa rhọkpa fuan, sokpan ọ hoo ne emwa hia fiwerriẹ hin orukhọ iran rre.”—2 Pit. 3:9.

7. De emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe Jehova?

⁷ Emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe Jehova ọre wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha kọn ẹmwẹ taa, ma vbe gha roro emwi nẹ, ma kegha ruẹ. Deghẹ ima khian ru azẹ ne kpataki, ọ khẹke ne ima rhie ẹghẹ ya muẹn roro ẹsẹsẹmwẹse. Ma ghi vbe muẹn ye erhunmwu ne Jehova ru iyobọ ne ima ya ru emwi nọ khẹke. (Psm. 141:3) Ọ ma khẹke ne ima ya ohu ru emwi rhọkpa rhunmwuda, ohu i biẹ ọmọ esi. Emwa hia ni ya ohu ru emwi keghi gbe I ma rẹn vbe okiekie.—Itan 14:29; 15:28; 19:2.

8. (a) De ehe ne ima khian na miẹn igiemwi esi ọghe emwa ni sẹtin dia egbe iran? (b) Vbọzẹe ne Josẹf ma na de ye edanmwẹ ọghe ọvbokhan e Pọtifa? (Ghee efoto nọ rre omuhẹn.)

⁸ De igiemwi ọghe eguọmwadia e Jehova eso ni rhiẹre ma wẹẹ te ọ gele khẹke ne a gha dia egbe ọmwa? Iran wa bun. Ọkpa vbọ keghi re Josẹf ne ọvbi e Jekọb. E Josẹf keghi dia egbe ẹre vbe ọ rre owa e Pọtifa nọ ghaa re ọkaolotu ọghe emwa ne Fero ya khẹ egbe. Ne Josẹf na gha re “ọmọ ne ọ zọ ẹse, ne ọ vbe mose,” ọ keghi viẹn ye ọvbokhan e  Pọtifa aro. Ọ na gha hoo ne Josẹf gu irẹn ru emwi ọdọ vbe amwẹ. Vbọzẹe ne Josẹf ma na de ye edanmwẹ nii? Rhunmwuda, ọ muẹn roro evbọ gha kẹrikian deghẹ irẹn na yin uyinmwẹ vberriọ. Okhuo nii ghi sobọ yọre ukpọn, ọ na lẹfua. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ: “Vbia ghi gu ru emwidan vberriọ hẹ, ne I ya fidọn ghe Osanobua?”—Gẹn. 39:6, 9; tie Itan 1:10.

9. Vbua khian ya sẹtin mu egbe khẹ edanmwẹ hẹ?

⁹ Vbe ima miẹn ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe Josẹf? Te ọ khẹke ne ima mudia gbain deghẹ ima werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ. Ma sẹtin vbe biegbe zẹ vbene Josẹf ruẹ re. Uyinmwẹ nọ ka gu emwa eso obọ ro keghi re esiga ne a si, ayọn ne a da gbe egbe, oregbe, ikpẹ ukhunmwu ni wegbe na loo kevbe alama oghẹ. Uhiẹn vbe iran dinmwiamẹ nẹ, te ọ ye gha lọghọ ne iran mu uyinmwẹ vberriọ fua fẹẹrẹ. U gha werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ, muẹn roro ẹbe nu gha lae miẹn vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn deghẹ u na rra uhi e Jehova. Hia ne u rẹn emwi eso nọ gha sẹtin danmwẹ ruẹ, ne u mieke na khẹ ye egbe ra ne u gbaengbe ne emwi vberriọ. (Psm. 26:4, 5; Itan 22:3) U gha werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ nọ rhirhi gha khin, rinmwian e Jehova nọ rhie ẹwaẹn nuẹn, ne u sẹtin ya dia egbuẹ.

10, 11. (a) De edanmwẹ ne igbama nibun werriẹ aro daa vbe owebe? (b) De emwi nọ gha ru iyobọ ne igbama ya mudia gbain vbe edanmwẹ gha de rre?

¹⁰ Emwi nọ sunu dae Josẹf wa vbe sunu daa igbama nibun ni re Ivbiotu e Kristi vbe ẹdẹnẹrẹ. Gia guan kaẹn ọtẹn nokhuo Kim. Te ihua ẹre ne iran gba gha rre klasi wa gha ghẹẹ sẹrriọ wẹẹ, iran do yae gha rhuọ. E Kim i miẹn okha vberriọ taa rhunmwuda, ọ ma gha ghẹẹ. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ, ne irẹn na lughaẹn, irẹn yevbe “ọmwa na yangbe, nẹi mwẹ nọ gu agbọn ye.” Iran gha ya aro ọzuọ ghee ẹre rhunmwuda ne ẹi na mwẹ egbakhian. Ọ keghi gbaengbe ne uyinmwẹ vberriọ rhunmwuda uyinmwẹ esankan keghi re edanmwẹ nọ wegbe vbe ẹghẹ igbama. (2 Tim. 2:22) Ẹghẹ hia ẹre ihua re vbe skul ya nọ rẹn deghẹ ọ rẹn okpia nẹ. Ọni keghi kie ẹkpotọ yọ ne ọ ya rhan otọ re evbọzẹe ne irẹn i na ghẹẹ. Igbama ni ma de ye edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ keghi ya ẹko rhiẹnrhiẹn ima hia, erriọ iran wa vbe ye ẹko rhiẹnrhiẹn e Jehova.

¹¹ E Baibol vbe guan kaẹn emwa ni de ye edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ rhunmwuda iran ma sẹtin dia egbe iran, ọ vbe yunu kaẹn ẹbe nọ kẹrikian. U gha werriẹ aro daa aro edanmwẹ ne Kim werriẹ aro daa, ọ khẹke ne u muẹn roro emwi nọ sunu daa igbama okpia ọkpa nẹi mwẹ ẹwaẹn ne ebe Itan uhunmwu ẹnrẹn 7 guan kaẹn. U vbe muẹn roro ozere ne Amnọn do kevbe ẹbe nọ kẹrikian. (2 Sam. 13:1, 2, 10-15, 28-32) Evbibiemọ gha sẹtin loo ako ọghe Baibol na guan kaẹn na vbe iruẹmwi ẹgbẹe, ya ru iyobọ ne ivbi iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin ya ẹwaẹn gha dia egbe iran vbe iran gha werriẹ aro daa edanmwẹ ọghe alama oghẹ.

12. (a) Vbọzẹe ne Josẹf na dia egbe ẹre vbe etiọnrẹn rrie Igipt? (b) De ẹghẹ nọ khẹke ne ima ya gha dia egbe ima?

¹² Ọ mwẹ ẹghẹ ọvbehe ne Josẹf ya werriegbe rhie akpa ọghe a dia egbe ọmwa ma. Ne Josẹf mieke na rẹn deghẹ avbe etiẹn ọnrẹn fiwerriẹ nẹ, ọ ma gi iran rẹn ighẹ irẹn ọre Josẹf vbe iran rre do dẹẹ evbare vbe Igipt. Vbe ọ ma ghi sẹtin gbe ibiẹ rrie, ọ na fẹko khian ghee ẹkhokho ya viẹ egbe ẹre rua. (Gẹn. 43:30, 31; 45:⁠1) Deghẹ ọtẹn vbe iko na ru ẹmwi nọ sọnnọ ruẹ, u gha vbe sẹtin  dia egbuẹ, adeghẹ u ya egbe tae Josẹf. (Itan 16:32; 17:27) Deghẹ ọ mwẹ emwa eso vbuwe ẹgbẹe ruẹ ne a kan fua vbe iko, te ọ khẹke ne u dia egbuẹ ne u ghẹ mieke na gu iran gha mu obọ. Ọna i wa re emwi nọ khuẹrhẹ, sokpan ma gha sẹtin ru vberriọ deghẹ ima yerre wẹẹ e Jehova ẹre ima ya egbe ta kevbe wẹẹ, adia ọghẹe ẹre ima lele.

13. De emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe okha ọghe Devid?

¹³ Ọba e Devid wa vbe rhie igiemwi esi yotọ vbe nọ dekaan a dia egbe ọmwa. Vbe Sọl vbe Shimei ru emwi nọ sọnnọ e Devid, ọ ma loo ẹkpotọ nọ kiere ya gbe Sọl rua, ra nọ ye asẹ nọ mwẹ zẹvbe nọ khaevbisẹ ya guọghọ e Shimei. (1 Sam. 26:9-11; 2 Sam. 16:5-10) Ọni ma rhiema wẹẹ ẹghẹ hia ẹre Devid ya sẹtin gha dia egbe ẹre. Ma rẹn okha ọghe Devid vbe Bath-Sheba kevbe ohu ọhanabe nọ te muẹn vbe Nebal ne ẹwobi ru emwi nọ sọnnọ rẹn. (1 Sam. 25:10-13; 2 Sam. 11:2-4) Ọrheyerriọ, ma gha miẹn emwi ruẹ vbe igiemwi e Devid. Okaro, ọ wa khẹke ne ediọn gha dia egbe iran ne iran ghẹ ya loo asẹ ne iran mwẹ ghee ihan. Nogieva, ọ ma khẹke ne ima gha mwẹ ekhọe ọghe vbọghiyekede wẹẹ ima i ghi sẹtin de fi edanmwẹ.—1 Kọr. 10:12.

14. De emwi nọ sunu daa ọtẹn nokpia ọkpa? Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne ima hia gha dia egbe ima vbe emwi vberriọ gha sunu daa ima?

¹⁴ De emwi ne u gha ru ne u mieke na gha mwẹ alaghodaro vbe odẹ ne u ya dia egbuẹ? Gia ziro yan emwi nọ sunu daa e Luigi. Okpia ọkpa keghi ya imọto su imọto e Luigi vbe iyeke. Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ okpia nii ẹre ọ rriabe, ọ na gha rhovbiẹ Luigi, te ọ khian ghi te guẹ gbinna. E Luigi na ghi na erhunmwu ne Jehova ru iyobọ ne irẹn ya sẹtin gbe ibiẹ rrie. Ọ na te gha tama okpia nọkẹre nọ mu yotọ, sokpan ọ ma họn. Vbe okpia nii ye go, e Luigi keghi gbẹnnẹ emwi eso vbe egbe imọto ọghe ne okpia nọ dekaan e kọmpini nọ gbaroghe imọto ẹre. (insurance company) Uzọla ọkpa ghi gberra nẹ, e Luigi ghi sẹ owa okhuo ọkpa nọ rhie ebe na vbe ikporhu, ọ na do rẹn wẹẹ, arowa okhuo na, ẹre ọ su irẹn imọto. Egbe na wọọ okpia nii, ọ na suẹn gha rinmwian. Ọ na ghi wẹẹ irẹn gha dọlọ imọto e Luigi yi. Okpia na keghi deba ọvbokhan rẹn gha ruẹ e Baibol, ọ na vbe gha gbọyẹmwẹ ye emwi nọ ruẹ. U miẹn emwi nọ gha te sunu akpawẹ ọtẹn nokpia na ma gbe ibiẹ rrie! Ọ gele wa khẹke ne ima gha dia egbe ima.—Tie 2 Kọrinti 6:3, 4.

15, 16. De vbene Baibol na tie ne egbe ọmwa gha ya ru iyobọ nuẹn kevbe ẹgbẹe ruẹ ya gha mu egbe ye ọghọ?

¹⁵ Ma gha sẹtin gha dia egbe ima deghẹ ima gbarokotọ tie Baibol vbe ẹghẹ hia. E Jehova keghi tama e Jọsua wẹẹ: “U ghi miẹn wẹẹ, a tie ebe uhi nii vbe uwu ugamwẹ uwa vbe ẹghẹ hia. U ghi gha ruẹ ọre asọn kevbe avan, ne u vbe miẹn wẹẹ u ya emwi ne a gbẹnnẹ yọ hia ru emwi. Ẹghẹ nii, agbọn gha ma ruẹn, u ghi vbe ru ne a gbaan.” (Jọs. 1:8) De vbene Baibol na tie ne egbe ọmwa ya ru iyobọ ne ima ya gha dia egbe ima?

¹⁶ Ze vbene ima ruẹ ọre dee sin, ma bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, emwi nọ maan ẹre a lae miẹn deghẹ ima sẹtin dia egbe ima, erriọ ẹbe vbe ya kẹrikian deghẹ ima ma sẹtin dia egbe ima. Te Jehova hoo ne ima ya igiemwi ughughan na wan ne egbe ima, ẹre ọ zẹe ne a na gbẹnnẹ ọnrẹn yotọ. (Rom. 15:4) Te ọ khẹke ne ima gha tie avbe okha na, ma vbe gha ru erria yan rẹn. Hia ne u rẹn odẹ ne ọ gha ya ru iyobọ ne ẹgbẹe ruẹ. Rinmwian e Jehova  nọ ru iyobọ nuẹn ya rhie emwi ne u ruẹ vbe Baibol ye uyinmwẹ. Gi e Jehova rẹn ako ne u na vburriẹ, u muẹn ye erhunmwu, u vbe zowẹ lele erhunmwu ne u na. (Jems 1:5) U ghaa ru ezanzan vbe ebe ọghomwa, u gha miẹn adia eso ni gha vbe ru iyobọ nuẹn.

17. De iyobọ ne evbibiemọ gha sẹtin ru ne ivbi iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha dia egbe iran?

¹⁷ De iyobọ ne evbibiemọ gha sẹtin ru ne ivbi iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha dia egbe iran? Evbibiemọ rẹnrẹn wẹẹ akpa na i re na biẹ ọmwa biẹ, ọna ẹre ọ zẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne iran rhie igiemwi esi yotọ ne ivbi iran. (Ẹfis. 6:⁠4) Deghẹ ivbi uwa i mu egbe ye ọghọ, inọta nọ khẹke ne evbibiemọ nọ egbe iran ọre wẹẹ, de igiemwi ne imẹ rhie yotọ? Odẹ eso ne evbibiemọ ya rhie igiemwi esi yotọ ọre ikporhu kevbe iko ne a yo vbe ẹghẹ hia, kẹ kevbe iruẹmwi ẹgbẹe ne a ru. Ẹi re emwi hia ne ivbuẹ nọ rẹn ẹre u khian gha kue yi. Erriọ e Jehova vbe ruẹ vbe egbe Adam vbe Ivi. Ọ mwẹ emwi eso nọ wẹẹ ne iran ghẹ ru, ne iran mieke na rẹn wẹẹ, ọ mwẹ ehe nọ khẹke ne iran khian sẹ vbuwe ogba nii. Erriọ adia kevbe igiemwi esi ọghe evbibiemọ ya ru iyobọ ne emọ ya gha dia egbe iran. Usun emwi nọ ghi maan sẹ ne u gha sẹtin maa ivbuẹ re ọre ne a gha gbe uhunmwu kotọ ne ọdakha ọghe Osanobua kevbe ne a gha lele adia ọghẹe.—Tie Itan 1:5, 7, 8. 

18. Vbọzẹe ne ọ na khẹke ne ima gha ya ẹwaẹn zẹ ọse?

¹⁸ Adeghẹ evbibiemọ ma khin ra igbama, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha ya ẹwaẹn zẹ ọse. Gha gu emwa ni hoẹmwẹ e Jehova ru ọse rhunmwuda iran gha ru iyobọ nuẹn ne u ya gha khu emwi orhiọn khian, ne u ghẹ de fi edanmwẹ. (Itan 13:20) Igiemwi esi ọghe emwa ni deziẹn vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn gha ru iyobọ nuẹn ya gha dia egbuẹ rhunmwuda, a gha lele adia, a ghi dia. Erriọ igiemwi esi ọghuẹ gha vbe ya ru iyobọ ne avbe ọse ruẹ. Ma gha sẹtin gha dia egbe ima, Osanobua gha rhan obọ miẹn ima yi, ma gha mwẹ agbẹnkunsotọ zẹ vbene ima ya ru iyobọ ne emwa ọvbehe vbe odẹ oghe orhiọn.