1. How is discipline often presented in the Bible?

WHEN you hear the word “discipline,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you immediately think of punishment, but much more is involved. In the Bible, discipline is often presented in an appealing light, at times alongside knowledge, wisdom, love, and life. (Prov. 1:2-7; 4:11-13) That is because God’s discipline is an expression of his love for us and of his desire that we gain everlasting life. (Heb. 12:6) While his discipline may include chastisement, it is never abusive or cruel. Indeed, the meaning behind “discipline” primarily relates to education, such as that involved in raising a beloved child.

2, 3. How may discipline include both teaching and punishment? (See opening picture.)

² Consider this example: A little boy named Johnny is throwing a ball in the house. His mother says: “Johnny, you know that you should not play with your ball in the house! You might break something.” But disregarding his mother’s direction, he continues to play with the ball and accidentally breaks a vase. How will his mother discipline him? Her discipline may involve both teaching and some punishment. In  teaching him, she may remind Johnny why his conduct was wrong. She wants to convey to him the wisdom of obeying his parents, explaining that their rules are necessary and reasonable. Then reinforcing her words, she may administer some form of appropriate punishment. For example, she might take the ball away from Johnny for a period of time. That may impress on him that disobedience has consequences.

³ As members of the Christian congregation, we are part of God’s household. (1 Tim. 3:15) We therefore respect Jehovah’s right both to set standards and to give loving discipline when we violate them. Moreover, if our actions caused unpleasant consequences, his discipline would remind us of just how important it is to listen to our heavenly Father. (Gal. 6:7) God cares deeply for us and wants to spare us heartache.​—1 Pet. 5:6, 7.

4. (a) Jehovah blesses what kind of training? (b) What will we consider in this article?

⁴ By giving Scriptural discipline, we can help our child or a Bible student to reach the goal of becoming a follower of Christ. God’s Word, our primary tool for training, enables us to ‘discipline in righteousness.’ Thus our child or Bible student can be helped to understand and ‘observe all the things Jesus commanded us.’ (2 Tim. 3:16; Matt. 28:19, 20) Jehovah blesses this kind of training, which equips students to make yet more disciples of Christ. (Read Titus 2:11-14.) Let us now consider the answers to three important questions: (1) How does God’s discipline reflect his love for us? (2) What can we learn from those whom God disciplined in the past? (3) When we give discipline, how can we imitate Jehovah and his Son?

5. In what ways does discipline from Jehovah reflect his love for us?

⁵ Motivated by love, Jehovah corrects, educates, and trains us so that we can remain in his love and on the path to life. (1 John 4:16) He never demeans or insults us, causing us to question our personal value. (Prov. 12:18) Rather, Jehovah dignifies us, appealing to the goodness in our heart and respecting our free will. Is that how you view God’s discipline, whether it comes through his Word, Bible-based publications, Christian parents, or congregation elders? Indeed, elders who try to readjust us in a mild and loving manner when we take “a false step,” perhaps unknowingly, reflect Jehovah’s love for us.​—Gal. 6:1.

6. When discipline involves restrictions, how does this reflect God’s love?

⁶ At times, though, discipline may involve more than counsel or oral correction. If more serious sins are involved, it may include a loss of privileges in the congregation. Even when that is the case, such discipline reflects God’s love for us. A loss of privileges, for example, can help a person realize how important it is for him to focus more on personal Bible study, meditation, and prayer. He can thus be strengthened spiritually. (Ps. 19:7) In time, privileges may be restored. Even disfellowshipping reflects Jehovah’s love, for it protects the congregation from bad influences. (1 Cor. 5:6, 7, 11) And because God disciplines to the proper degree, disfellowshipping can impress on the wrongdoer the seriousness of his sin and move him to repentance.​—Acts 3:19.

7. Who was Shebna, and what bad trait did he begin to develop?

⁷ To underscore the value of discipline, let us consider two individuals whom Jehovah disciplined: Shebna, who lived in the time of King Hezekiah, and Graham, a brother in our day. As the steward “in charge of the house”​—presumably that of Hezekiah—​Shebna had considerable authority. (Isa. 22:15) Sadly, though, he became proud, seeking his own glory. He even had an opulent tomb made for himself, and he rode in “glorious chariots”!​—Isa. 22:16-18.

8. How did Jehovah discipline Shebna, and with what result?

⁸ Because Shebna pursued glory for himself, God ‘threw him out of his office’ and replaced him with Eliakim. (Isa. 22:19-21) This change occurred when Assyrian King Sennacherib was intending to attack Jerusalem. Sometime later, that king sent high officials to Jerusalem, along with a large army, to demoralize the Jews and intimidate Hezekiah into surrendering. (2 Ki. 18:17-25) Eliakim was sent to speak to the officials, but he was not alone. He was accompanied by two others, one of whom was Shebna, now serving as secretary. Might this not suggest that Shebna did not give way to bitterness and resentment but instead humbly accepted his lesser responsibilities? If so, what lessons can we learn from the account? Let us consider three.

9-11. (a) What important lessons can we learn from Shebna’s experience? (b) How are you encouraged by Jehovah’s treatment of Shebna?

⁹ First, Shebna lost his position. His experience bears out the warning that “pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Prov. 16:18) If you have privileges in the congregation, perhaps with a measure of prominence, will you strive to maintain a humble view of yourself? Will you give credit to Jehovah for any gifts you have or for what you have accomplished? (1 Cor. 4:7) The apostle Paul wrote: “I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think, but to think so as to have a sound mind.”​—Rom. 12:3.

¹⁰ Second, in strongly reproving Shebna, Jehovah may have been showing that he did not consider Shebna beyond recovery. (Prov. 3:11, 12) What a fine lesson for those who lose privileges of service in God’s congregation today!  Instead of being angry and resentful, may they continue to serve God to the best of their ability in their new situation, viewing the discipline as evidence of Jehovah’s love. Remember, our Father will not consider us beyond hope if we humble ourselves before him. (Read 1 Peter 5:6, 7.) Loving discipline can be God’s way of molding us, so let us remain malleable in his hands.

¹¹ Third, Jehovah’s treatment of Shebna provides a valuable lesson for those who are authorized to administer discipline, such as parents and Christian overseers. The lesson? While Jehovah’s discipline can reflect his hatred of sin, it can also show his concern for the person who sinned. If as a parent or an overseer you must administer discipline, will you imitate Jehovah, hating the wrong while looking for the good in your child or fellow believer?​—Jude 22, 23.

12-14. (a) In what ways do some react to divine discipline? (b) How did God’s Word help one brother to adjust his attitude, and with what results?

¹² Sadly, after receiving discipline, some fail to see past the pain and even draw away from God and his people. (Heb. 3:12, 13) But does that mean that such ones are beyond help? Consider Graham, who was disfellowshipped, in time was reinstated, and then became spiritually inactive. Some years later, he asked an elder who had befriended him to study the Bible with him.

¹³ The elder recalled: “Graham had a problem with pride. He was critical of the elders who had been involved in his disfellowshipping. So for the next few studies, we discussed scriptures on pride and its effects. Graham began to see himself clearly in the mirror of God’s Word, and he did not like what he saw! The effect was amazing! After acknowledging that he had been blinded by a ‘rafter’ of pride and that his critical attitude was his problem, he began to change quickly for the better. He started to attend Christian meetings regularly, to study God’s Word earnestly, and to make daily prayer a habit. He also accepted his spiritual responsibilities as family head, much to the delight of his wife and children.”​—Luke 6:41, 42; Jas. 1:23-25.

¹⁴ The elder continues: “One day, Graham told me something that touched my heart. ‘I’ve known the truth for years,’ he said, ‘and I’ve even served as a pioneer. But only now can I honestly say that I love Jehovah.’ Before long, he was asked to serve as a microphone handler at the Kingdom Hall​—a privilege he deeply appreciated. His example taught me that when a person humbles himself before God by accepting discipline, blessings just pour out!”

15. If we want our discipline to reach hearts, what must we do?

¹⁵ To be good teachers, we first have to be good students. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) Likewise, those divinely authorized to give discipline must themselves continue to submit willingly to Jehovah’s guidance. Such humble submission earns them respect and gives them freeness of speech when training or correcting others. Consider Jesus’ example.

16. What are some lessons about appropriate discipline and effective teaching that we can learn from Jesus?

¹⁶ Jesus always listened obediently to  his Father, even when doing so was very difficult. (Matt. 26:39) And he gave his Father the credit for his teachings and wisdom. (John 5:19, 30) Jesus’ humility and obedience drew people of honest heart to him and helped to make him a compassionate and gracious teacher. (Read Luke 4:22.) His kind words heartened those who were figuratively like a bruised reed or the wick of an oil lamp about to go out. (Matt. 12:20) Even when his patience was tested, Jesus was kind and loving. This was evident when he corrected his apostles for showing a selfish, ambitious spirit.​—Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:24-27.

17. What fine qualities will help elders to be effective shepherds of God’s flock?

¹⁷ All who are authorized to give Scriptural discipline are wise when they imitate Christ’s example. Indeed, their doing so reflects their desire to be molded by God and his Son. The apostle Peter wrote: “Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:2-4) To be sure, overseers who joyfully submit to God and to Christ, the head of the congregation, benefit both themselves and those under their care.​—Isa. 32:1, 2, 17, 18.

18. (a) What does Jehovah require of parents? (b) How does God help parents fulfill their responsibilities?

¹⁸ The same basic principles apply in the family. Family heads are told: “Do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) How serious is this matter? Proverbs 19:18 states: “Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not become responsible for his death.” Yes, Jehovah holds Christian parents accountable if they fail to provide needed discipline to a child! (1 Sam. 3:12-14) However, Jehovah gives parents the wisdom and the strength they need when they humbly entreat him in prayer and look to his Word and holy spirit for guidance.​—Read James 1:5.

19, 20. (a) What blessings result from accepting God’s discipline? (b) What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁹ It would be difficult to enumerate all the blessings that result from accepting divine discipline and from imitating Jehovah and Jesus when disciplining others. At the very least, families and congregations become havens of peace. Individuals also feel truly loved, valued, and secure​—a foretaste of the blessings to come. (Ps. 72:7) Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that Jehovah’s discipline teaches us how to live together forever in peace and harmony as a family under his fatherly care. (Read Isaiah 11:9.) When we view divine discipline in that light, we will be more likely to appreciate it for what it truly is: beautiful evidence of God’s unmatched love for us.

²⁰ In the following article, we will expand on aspects of discipline within the family and the congregation. We will also consider self-discipline as well as something that can be even worse than any temporary pain that discipline may cause.

1. De emwi ne Baibol khare vbekpae adia ne a rhie ne ọmwa?

DE EMWI nọ ka la ruẹ ekhọe vbe u gha họn wẹẹ, a “gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre”? Emwi nọ ka wa la emwa nibun ekhọe ọre oya ne ọmwa re vbe ọ gha ru khọ, sokpan, ẹi wa re ọni ọkpa ọ demu. E Baibol rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ne a gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre keghi re emwi nọ maan rhunmwuda vbe ako eso, e Baibol hae ye ugan bae irẹnmwi, ẹwaẹn, ahoẹmwọmwa kevbe arrọọ. (Itan 1:2-7; 4:11-13) Evbọzẹe ne adia nọ ke obọ Osanobua rre na re emwi nọ maan ọre wẹẹ, ọ keghi re osẹ nọ rhiẹre ma wẹẹ Osanobua hoẹmwẹ ima kevbe wẹẹ, ọ hoo ne ima gha mwẹ arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ. (Hib 12:6) Ugbẹnso, Osanobua sẹtin rri ima oya, vbe ọ ghaa gbe ima hin ọkhọ rre, sokpan, ẹi ya obọ atosi mu ima. Ne a gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre ra ne a rhie adia ne ọmwa keghi dekaan imamwaemwi, zẹvbe ne a ya maa ọmọ na hoẹmwẹ ọnrẹn emwi.

2, 3. De vbene adia ne a rhie ne ọmwa ya dekaan imamwaemwi kevbe ne a rri ọmwa oya? (Ghee efoto nọ rre omuhẹn.)

² Ghee igiemwi na ghee: Ovbi ọvbokhan ọkpa ne a tie ẹre Johnny gha ya ibọru ku vbe ughugha. Iyẹe keghi tama rẹn wẹẹ: “Johnny ghẹ ghi gbe ibọru vbe ughugha ne u ghẹ ya mu emwi rhia!” Sokpan ọvbokhan nii keghi fi ehọ ye amẹ. Vbe ọ ma he kpẹẹ vba, ọ na ya ibọru nii guọghọ akhe ne a viọ obobo yi vbe ipalọ. De emwi ne  iyẹe gha ghi ru? Ọ sẹtin bu ẹre ude, ọ ghi gi ẹre rẹn evbọzẹe ne emwi nọ ru nii, ma na deyọ, ne ọvbokhan nii mieke na rẹn wẹẹ, ọ khẹke ne ọmọ gha họn ẹmwẹ ne evbibiẹ ọre. Ọ sẹtin vbe rri ẹre oya nọ khẹke. Vbe igiemwi, ne ọvbokhan nii ghẹ mieke na ru emwi vberriọ vbe ẹdẹ ọvbehe, iyẹe sẹtin miẹn ọnrẹn ibọru nii vbe ẹghẹ eso, ne ọ mieke na rẹn wẹẹ, ọmwa gha ru emwi dan, te ọ rri oya yọ.

³ Zẹvbe Ivbiotu e Kristi ne ima khin, ma keghi re abọ ọkpa vbe igiowa ọghe Osanobua. (1 Tim 3:15) Nọnaghiyerriọ, e Jehova mwẹ asẹ ne ọ ya yi uhi ne ima kevbe ne ọ ya gbe ima hin ọkhọ rre vbe ima gha rraa uhi ẹre. Yevbesọni, deghẹ emwi ne ima ru na ghi si obalọ ye ima egbe, ọni ghi ya ima yerre wẹẹ, te ọ khẹke ne ima gha lele adia nọ ke obọ Erha mwa nọ rre ẹrinmwi rre. (Gal 6:7) Ọna rhiema wẹẹ, Osanobua gele hoẹmwẹ ima, ọ ma hoo ne ima rri oya.—1 Pit 5:6, 7.

4. (a) Vbọzẹe ne Jehova na fiangbe ẹrhiọn ne ima loo ya maa emwa emwi? (b) Vbe ima khian ziro yan vbe ako iruẹmwi na?

⁴ Ma ghaa ye Baibol rhie adia ne ivbi ima kevbe emwa ne ima gu tie Baibol, ọ gha ru iyobọ ne iran ya do khian erhuanegbe Kristi. Ẹmwẹ Osanobua nọ re emadogua kpataki ne ima ya maa emwa emwi ẹre ọ ru iyobọ ne ima “ya bu ọmwa ude” ne ọ mieke na “gha yin ẹse,” ẹre ima vbe loo ya maa ivbi ima kevbe emwa ọvbehe emwi, ne iran mieke na sẹtin gha lele iyi ne Jesu yi ne ima. (2 Tim 3:16; Mat 28:19, 20) E Jehova keghi fiangbe ẹrhiọn ne ima loo ya maa emwa emwi, ne iran do khian emwa ni gbegba vbe iwinna ikporhu iyẹn nọ maan. (Tie Taitọs 2:11-14.) Ma gha ziro yan inọta eha ne kpataki vbe ako iruẹmwi na: (1) De vbene adia ne Osanobua rhie ne ima ya rhiẹre ma wẹẹ irẹn hoẹmwẹ ima? (2) De emwi ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe emwa eso ne Osanobua gbe hin ọkhọ rre? (3) De vbene ima khian ya sẹtin ya egbe tae Jehova kevbe Jesu hẹ, vbe ima ghaa gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre?

5. Vbọ rhiẹre ma wẹẹ ahoẹmwọmwa ẹre Jehova yae mwẹ ghee ima vbe ọ gha gbe ima hin ọkhọ rre?

⁵ Ne Jehova na hoẹmwẹ ima, ọ keghi maa ima emwi, erriọ vbe ya rhie adia ne ima rhunmwuda ọ hoo ne ima gu irẹn gha mu obọ ne ima mieke na sẹtin gha rre odẹ nọ su rrie arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ. (1 Jọn 4:16) Agharhemiẹn wẹẹ Jehova gbe ima hin ọkhọ rre, ẹi ya obọ ọviẹn mu ima vbene a miẹn wẹẹ ima i ghi mwẹ esa ne ima ye. (Itan 12:18) Nọghayayerriọ, ọ keghi mu uyi ye ima egbe, erriọ vbe ya rhie aro tua ako ne ima na hia vbene ọ na vbe kie ẹkpotọ yọ, ne ima ye gha loo asẹ ne a ya zẹ ne egbe ọmwa. Erriọ adia ne ima miẹn vbe Baibol, ebe ne otu gbẹnnẹ ladian kevbe ne a miẹn vbe obọ ediọn kevbe evbibiẹ emọ ya dia ima ye uviẹn nọ su rrie arrọọ ọghe etẹbitẹ. Ediọn ni rhie adia ne ima vbe odẹ ọghe ahoẹmwọmwa vbe ima gha zẹ owẹ ihan keghi ya egbe tae Jehova ne Osa nọ mwẹ ahoẹmwọmwa.—Gal 6:1.

6. De emwi nọ rhiẹre ma wẹẹ Osanobua hoẹmwẹ eguọmwadia re vbe a gha rhie ọmwa obọ sotọ vbe iwinna eso ra vbe a gha kan ọmwa fua vbe iko rhunmwuda orukhọ ne ọ ru?

⁶ Ugbẹnso, ne a gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre gberra ibude ne a rhie ne ọmwa. Adeghẹ ọmwa na ru orukhọ nọ wegbe, a sẹtin rhie ẹre obọ sẹ otọ vbe iwinna eso nọ te bi yọ re izabọ vbuwe iko. Ọ ghaa yerriọ, te odẹ ne a ya gbe ọmwa vberriọ hin ọkhọ rre rhiẹre ma wẹẹ e Jehova hoẹmwẹ ọnrẹn. Vbe igiemwi, ọ sẹtin ru iyobọ ne ọmwa vberriọ ya rẹn vbene ọ ru ekpataki sẹ hẹ ne a gha tie e Baibol vbe ẹghẹ hia, ne a gha ru erria yan rẹn kevbe ne a gha na erhunmwu vbe ẹghẹ hia. Ọ ghaa ru vberriọ, ọ gha ru iyobọ nẹẹn ya deziẹn vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. (Psm 19:7) Zẹvbe ne ẹghẹ ya khian, ọ sẹtin dọlegbe do gha mwẹ ukpamuyọmọ nọ ka wii ẹre vbuwe iko. Emwamwa ne a ya kan ọmwa fua vbe iko, rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, e Jehova hoẹmwẹ eguọmwadia re rhunmwuda, te ọ yae gbogba gae iko, ne ọyasin ọghe emwa ni yin uyinmwẹ dan ghẹ ya muẹn rhia. (1 Kọr 5:6, 7, 11) Ọmwa gha ru khọ, e Jehova  ghi rhie ẹre oya nọ khẹke yọ. Ọni ẹre ọ zẹe ne emwa nibun ne a kan fua vbe iko na sẹtin ro iro fi uyinmwẹ werriẹ.—Iwinna 3:19.

7. Gha re Siẹbna? De akpa ne ẹi maan ne ọ ghaa mwẹ?

⁷ Ne ima mieke na rẹn vbe nọ ru ekpataki sẹ hẹ ne a gha gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre, ma gha guan kaẹn arhunmwu eva ne Jehova gbe hin ọkhọ rre. Ma gha ka guan kaẹn Siẹbna, nọ gha rrọọ vbe ẹghẹ Ọba e Hẹzekaia, ma ke do ziro yan igiemwi ọghe Ọtẹn Nokpia Graham. E Siẹbna, kegha re “ọdia ne ọ gbaroghe igiowa ọba.” Ughaghe igiowa Ọba e Hẹzekaia ẹre ọ ghaa gbaroghe, nọ rhie ma wẹẹ, ukpo nọ yo ẹre Siẹbna ghaa ye. (Aiz 22:15) Ọ ghi sẹ ẹghẹ, e Siẹbna na suẹn gha tọn egbe mu, ne a mieke na gha họn usi ẹre rre. Ọ na ya igho ọrhẹnrhẹn fian idin ne egbe ẹre, ọ na vbe gha ya osugi igho dẹlẹ “ikẹkẹ okuo” ne ọ ya gha ghagha!—Aiz 22:16-18.

8. De vbene Jehova ya gbe Siẹbna hin ọkhọ rre hẹ? Vbọ ghi kẹrikian?

⁸ Rhunmwuda ne Siẹbna na gha tọn egbe mu, e Jehova keghi rhie ẹre hin “ukpo” nọ ye rre, ọ na ya Eliaikim rhihe ẹre. (Aiz 22:19-21) Ọna keghi sunu vbe ẹghẹ ne Senakẹrib nọ re Ọba Asiria ya gha mu egbe nọ do gu e Jerusalẹm khọọn. Ẹghẹ eso ghi gberra nẹ, ọba ọghe Asiria keghi gie avbe okaolotu ọghe ivbiyokuo kevbe ivbiyokuo ọghẹe nibun gha die Jerusalẹm. Vbọzẹe? Ne iran mieke na gbe orhiọn ye Ivbi e Jerusalẹm iwu, odẹ vberriọ, Ivbi e Jerusalẹm ghi ze egbe obọ ne iran. (2 Ọba 18:17-25) E Hẹzikaia keghi gie Eliaikim kevbe orhunmwu eva ọvbehe gie ọkaolotu ọghe Ivbi Asiria. Ọkpa vbuwe iran eva ni deba Eliaikim kegha re Siẹbna, sokpan vbe ẹghẹ na, iwinna akọwe ẹre Siẹbna ghi gha ru vbe ẹguae ọba. Ọna rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, e Siẹbna ma gha mu ohu rhunmwuda a rhiẹre obọ sotọ vbe ukpo nọ yo ne ọ ka ye. Ọ keghi ya imuegberriotọ gha ru iwinna akọwe. Nia, gia ziro yan emwi eha ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe okha na.

9-11. (a) De emwi kpataki ne ima miẹn ruẹ vbe okha ọghe Siẹbna? (b) De emwi igiọdu ne ima miẹn vbe obọ ne Jehova ya mu e Siẹbna?

⁹ Okaro, a keghi rhie Siẹbna obọ sotọ vbe ukpo nọ yo. Ọna keghi ya ima rẹn wẹẹ, ẹmwẹ ne Baibol tae i defua vbọ khare wẹẹ, “te uhiomwẹ khian rrie odẹ ọfuan, itengbemu ẹre ọ vbe si udemwẹ.” (Itan 16:18) Adeghẹ u mwẹ ukpamuyọmọ ne kpataki vbe iko, te ọ khẹke ne u gha mu egbe rriotọ. Ọ wa vbe khẹke ne u gha rhie uyi ne Osanobua ye ẹse ọhẹ ne ọ ya wee ruẹ, ne ọ ya ruẹ mwẹ alaghodaro vbe ugamwẹ ọghẹe. (1 Kọr 4:7) Ukọ e Pọl keghi kha wẹẹ: “I tama uwa hia wẹẹ, wa ghẹ mwa egbe ye ukpo ne ọ gberra ehe ne ọ ke yi. Sokpan wa gha re ne ẹi si ukankan vbe iro ne uwa zẹ.”—Rom 12:3.

¹⁰ Nogieva, odẹ ne Jehova ya gbe Siẹbna hin ọkhọ rre rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ọ rẹnrẹn wẹẹ e Siẹbna gha sẹtin fiwerriẹ. (Itan 3:11, 12) Etẹn ni ka gha  mwẹ ukpamuyọmọ vbuwe iko vbe ẹghẹ nọ gberra, ne a ghi rhiẹre obọ sotọ, gha miẹn emwi kpataki ruẹ vbe okha e Siẹbna. Ọ ma khẹke ne etẹn vberriọ gha mwẹ ekhọe orriara. Nọghayayerriọ, iran ghi gha ya ekhọe hia ga Osanobua, iran vbe gha ghee adia vberriọ zẹvbe odẹ ọkpa ne Osanobua ya rhiẹre ma wẹẹ irẹn hoẹmwẹ iran. Vbene ẹmwata, e Jehova gha fiangbe emwa ni mu egbe rriotọ. (Tie 1 Pita 5:6, 7.) Odẹ ọghe ahoẹmwọmwa ẹre Osanobua ya gbe ima hin ọkhọ rre, ọna ẹre ọ ghi dia ima ye uviẹn ne irẹn mieke na sẹtin loo ima vbe ugamwẹ ọghẹe.

¹¹ Nogieha, ediọn, evbibiẹ emọ kevbe emwa ọvbehe gha miẹn emwi kpataki ruẹ vbe odẹ ne Jehova ya gbe Siẹbna hin ọkhọ rre. Adia ne Jehova rhie ne ọmwa keghi rhiẹre ma wẹẹ ọ khuiwu orukhọ, ọ vbe rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ọ hoẹmwẹ ọmwa nii, ne ọ ru orukhọ. Evbibiẹ emọ ra ediọn gha khian gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre, te ọ khẹke ne iran ya egbe tae Jehova. Iran ghi rhie aro tua ako ne ọmwa nii na maan sokpan iran ghi gi ẹre rẹn wẹẹ, ẹko ma rhiẹnrhiẹn iran ye emwi nọ ru.—Jud 22, 23.

12-14. (a) De emwi ne emwa eso ru vbe Jehova gha gbe iran hin ọkhọ rre? (b) De vbene ẹmwẹ Osanobua ya ru iyobọ ne ọtẹn nokpia ọkpa ya fi iziro ọghẹe werriẹ hẹ? Vbọ ghi kẹrikian?

¹² Ọ keghi re emwi da ọmwa wẹẹ, a gha gbe emwa eso hin ọkhọ rre, ọ ghi da iran sẹrriọ wẹẹ, iran ghi kpa hin otu ọghe Osanobua rre. (Hib 3:12, 13) Sokpan, ọna ghi rhiema wẹẹ ai ghi sẹtin ru iyobọ ne emwa vberriọ ra? Gi ima guan kaẹn ọtẹn nokpia ọkpa ne a tie ẹre Graham, ne a kaan fua vbe iko, sokpan ọ ghi sẹ ẹghẹ, a na rhie ẹre werriegbe. A ghi rhiẹre werriegbe nẹ, ọ na vbe woo rua vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn. Sokpan ọdiọn ọkpa vbe iko keghi guẹ ru ọse. Ukpo eso ghi vbe gberra nẹ, ọ na tama ọdiọn nii, ne ọ gu irẹn gha tie Baibol.

¹³ Ọdiọn nii keghi kha wẹẹ: “Ọmwa ne ọ tọn egbe mu ẹre Graham ghaa khin. Te ọ ghaa khọ ẹko avbe ediọn ni buohiẹn ọnrẹn a ke kaẹn fua. Rhunmwuda ọni, emwi ne ima ghi gha ruẹ vbe asẹ nii kegha re uhiomwẹ kevbe evbọ kẹrikian. Graham keghi ya ẹmwẹ Osanobua zanzan egbe ẹre ghee vbe na ya ughegbe ghee egbe, ọ na ghi do bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ, ọ mwẹ ako eso ne irẹn gha winna yan. Ọ na ghi ru afiwerriẹ ne gẹdẹgbẹe vbe ọ ghi rẹn nẹ wẹẹ, itengbemu ẹre ọ ya irẹn gha khọ ekọ ediọn. Ọ na suẹn gha yo iko vbe ẹghẹ hia, ọ na vbe rhiegba ye Baibol ne a tie, erriọ vbe ya gha na erhunmwu vbe ẹghẹ hia. Ọ ma fo ye evba. Ọ na vbe suẹn gha gbaroghe ẹgbẹe ọre vbe odẹ ọghe orhiọn, nọ re iwinna nọ bi yọ re egbe zẹvbe uhunmwuta ẹgbẹe.”—Luk 6:41, 42; Jems 1:23-25.

¹⁴ Ọdiọn nii, na ye vbe kha wẹẹ: “Ii khian mianmian emwi ne Graham tama mwẹ vbe ẹdẹ ọkpa. Ọ keghi kha wẹẹ, ‘Ọ kpẹre ne I la odẹ ọghẹ ẹmwata na, I vbe ga zẹvbe arọndẹ, sokpan, eban ẹre I khian sẹtin si agbada vbe unu tae wẹẹ, I hoẹmwẹ e Jehova.’ Vbe ọ ma he kpẹ vba, ọ na suẹn gha ru iwinna ne ọ wa yẹẹ ọre; ọni ọre ne na mu amigbo ne emwa ni khian zẹ ewanniẹn vbe iko. Emwi ne I miẹn ruẹ vbe igiemwi ọghe Graham ọre wẹẹ, ọmwa gha mu egbe rriotọ miẹn adia ọghe Osanobua yi, afiangbe ne wọrhọ wọrhọ ẹre ọ miẹn vbe obọ Osanobua!”

15. De emwi nọ khẹke ne ima ru ne adia ne ima rhie ne emwa ọvbehe mieke na sẹ iran ekhọe?

¹⁵ Ne ima mieke na sẹtin gha maa emwa emwi ẹse, ọ khẹke ne ima rhie ẹghẹ nọ somwa ya gha tie Baibol ne egbe ima. (1 Tim 4:15, 16) Deghẹ Osanobua rhie asẹ nuẹn ne u ya rhie adia ne emwa ọvbehe, te ọ wa vbe khẹke ne u gha ya imuegberriotọ lele adia ọghe Jehova. Emwa ne u rhie adia na gha bẹghe ẹre wẹẹ u mu egbe rriotọ, iran ghi gha rhie ọghọ nuẹn, iran vbe gha lele adia ne u rhie ne iran. Nia, gia ziro yan igiemwi ọghe Jesu.

16. De emwi eso ne ima gha miẹn ruẹ vbe odẹ ne Jesu ya rhie adia ne emwa kevbe odẹ ne ọ ya maa emwa emwi?

¹⁶ Ẹghẹ hia ẹre Jesu ya gha họn ẹmwẹ ne  Erhae. Sokpan, ọ ma gha khuẹrhẹ ugbẹnso, ọrheyerriọ, ahoo ọghe Erhae ẹre ọ ye mu ye okaro. (Mat 26:39) E Jesu vbe gi emwa rẹn wẹẹ, obọ Erhae ẹre emwi ne irẹn maa iran re kevbe ẹwaẹn ne irẹn mwẹ ke rre. (Jọn 5:19, 30) Ne Jesu na gha re ọmwa ne ọ mu egbe rriotọ kevbe ne ọ họn ẹmwẹ, emwa ni mwẹ ekhọe ata kegha sikẹ ọre, rhunmwuda, vbene ọ ya gha maa iran emwi rhiẹre ma wẹẹ, ọ mwẹ ẹnina daa iran. (Tie Luk 4:22.) Emwa ne iro haan rẹn na do gha mwẹ igiọdu rhunmwuda ẹmwẹ nọ maan nọ ghaa ke ọre unu ladian. (Mat 12:20) Ọ mwẹ ẹghẹ ne erhuanegbe Jesu ya gha muaẹmwẹ ye ọmwa nọ ghi hiunsi sẹ vbuwe ẹbu iran. Emwi vberriọ te sẹ nọ ya ohu mu ọmwa, sokpan Jesu keghi gbe ibiẹ rrie. Ọ na rhie adia ne iran vbe odẹ ọghe ahoẹmwọmwa.—Mak 9:33-37; Luk 22:24-27.

17. De akpa eso nọ khẹke ne ediọn gha mwẹ ne iran mieke na sẹtin gbaro ghe etẹn vbe iko?

¹⁷ Te ọ khẹke ne ediọn gha ya egbe tae Jesu Kristi vbe iran ghaa rhie adia ne emwa ọvbehe. Iran ghaa ru vberriọ, te iran rhiẹre ma wẹẹ iran hoo ne Osanobua kevbe Jesu gha loo iran vbe ugamwẹ ẹmwata. Ukọ e Pita keghi kha wẹẹ: ‘Wa gha re Ọsuohuan ọghe avbe oghẹn ohuan ne Osanobua viọ ne uwa, wa gha ye ekhọe hia gbaro ghe iran, vbene Osanobua hoo ne uwa gha ru ẹre, ẹi re ne a gbe umaro umaro ru. U ghi gha winna iwinna ruẹn, ẹi re rhunmwuda ne a miẹn ehe na ha ruẹ osa kẹkan, sokpan gha ya ekhọe hia ru ẹre. Ghẹ gha hoo ne u gha khaemwisẹ yan iran ne a viọ nuẹn ne u gha gbaro ghe, sokpan gha re na ghee ru ne oghẹn ohuan.’ (1 Pit 5:2-4) Vbene ẹmwata, ediọn ni ya ekhọe hia lele adia ọghe Osanobua kevbe Kristi gha miẹn afiangbe vbọ, erriọ vbe nọ ne etẹn ne iran gbaro ghe.—Aiz 32:1, 2, 17, 18.

18. (a) De iwinna ne Jehova waa evbibiẹ emọ re? (b) De vbene Osanobua ya ru iyobọ ne iran?

¹⁸ Ọ vbe khẹke ne evbibiẹ emọ gha lele ilele na. E Baibol keghi kha wẹẹ: ‘Evbibiẹ emọ, wa ghẹ gha ru ivbi uwa emwi ne ọ gha ya ohu mu iran, sokpan wa dia iran ye odẹ, ne uwa vbe gha ma iran emwi zẹvbe emwa ne ọ ya Osanobua yi.’ (Ẹfis 6:4) De vbene adia na ru ekpataki sẹ hẹ? Ebe Itan 19:18 khare wẹẹ: “Maa ivbuẹ emwi vbe iran ma he wan gbe, ne iran sẹtin ruẹ emwi guẹ. Adeghẹ u ma ru vberriọ, te u ru iyobọ ne iran ya fuẹn egbe iran an.” Deghẹ evbibiẹ emọ ma koko ivbi iran ẹse, e Jehova gha nọ iran. (1 Sam 3:12-14) E Jehova ẹre ọ rhie ẹwaẹn kevbe ẹrhiọn ne evbibiẹ emọ ni ya imuegberriotọ gualọ adia vbe obọ re. Iran keghi nọ Osanobua vbe erhunmwu nọ ya orhiọn nọhuanrẹn ru iyobọ ne iran, ne iran mieke na sẹtin lele adia ọghẹe.—Tie Jems 1:5.

19, 20. (a) Ma gha miẹn adia ọghe Osanobua yi, de afiangbe ne a lae miẹn? (b) Vbe ima khian ziro yan vbe ako iruẹmwi nọ ghi lele ọna?

¹⁹ Ma ghaa ya egbe tae Jehova kevbe Jesu vbe odẹ ne iran ya rhie adia ne emwa, ima na vbe gha lele adia ọghe iran, afiangbe ne ima khian lae miẹn i gia gie. Ọfunmwegbe ghi gha rre uwu ẹgbẹe kevbe iko. Emwa hia ghi gha mwẹ agbẹkunsotọ rhunmwuda ahoẹmwọmwa nọ rre uwu ẹbu etẹn. Ọna keghi re asefẹn nekherhe ọghe afiangbe ne ima khian miẹn vbe agbọn ọgbọn. (Psm 72:7) Ẹi re te a yae fian ba ẹmwẹ ra te a yae mwẹ unu, vbe a gha kha wẹẹ, te adia ne Jehova rhie ne ima, mu ima egbe yotọ khẹ vbene ima khian ya gha rrọọ hẹ vbuwe ọfunmwegbe, zẹvbe ẹgbẹe ọkpa nọ rre ototọ ọdakha ọghe erha mwa nọ rre ẹrinmwi. (Tie Aizaia 11:9.) Ma ghaa ye ọna rre, ma ghi gele gha ghee adia nọ ke Obọ Osanobua rre zẹvbe osẹ nọ rhiẹre ma wẹẹ irẹn hoẹmwẹ ima.

²⁰ Vbe ako iruẹmwi nọ ghi lele ọna, ma gha ye vbe ziro yan odẹ ọvbehe ne a ya gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre vbuwe ẹgbẹe kevbe iko. Ma gha vbe guan kaẹn vbene a ya dia egbe ọmwa hẹ kevbe emwi nọ khọ sẹ obalọ ọghe ovbi ẹghẹ kherhe ne a miẹn vbe a gha gbe ọmwa hin ọkhọ rre.