Colin Browne

On 1/9/2018 at 5:14 AM, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Without getting into the logic and reasoning behind your detailed  explanation of "Which Came first, the Chicken or the Egg?', I would like to state as a side thought that the Chicken came first.

Chickens actually ... as it takes two to make a viable egg.

The attached document was downloaded from JW.ORG many years ago.

Chicken_Egg.docx

It will not help anyone to know the identity of the 'King of the North. but, we do that he will come to his end with no helper, which is good enough for us.

The identity of, and the coming of the two kings from the rising of the sun are already known and this will be a far better advent in the lives of their followers.

Thank you for the link. It's lengthy, and copied, and will be read later. Yes, it was removed from the books listed in the Watchtower Library, but I cannot recall any publication announcing this.

31 minutes ago, JOHN DAVIS said:

CAN NORTH KOREA BE THE KING OF THE NORTH WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR TO COME ON THE SCENE? 

31 minutes ago, JOHN DAVIS said:

CAN NORTH KOREA BE THE KING OF THE NORTH WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR TO COME ON THE SCENE? 

The book "Pay attention to the prophecies of Daniel" told us not to speculate on this. Any suggestions made publicly could well have others spreading ideas. Our society as a group are keeping watch on world affairs and will advise us - if necessary. Daniel was told that the king of the North would come to his end - with no helper.

On 11/3/2017 at 11:16 AM, Colin Browne said:

Hello Queen E, during all my years in the truth I've never seen any grammatical errors. The editing team do an excellent job.

The same cannot be said for Christendom. Click on the link Bible Typos (Typing errors) here under for a few good laughs.

Bible Typos.docx

Hello sister, we often get people who argue about us calling on the name of Jehovah. They often say that God's name is Yahweh not Jehovah. The document below was captured at JW.ORG about 12 years ago. You may find it useful.

Jehovah pronunciation.docx

Hello Queen E, during all my years in the truth I've never seen any grammatical errors. The editing team do an excellent job.

The same cannot be said for Christendom. Click on the link Bible Typos (Typing errors) here under for a few good laughs.

Bible Typos.docx

1 minute ago, Colin Browne said:

Hi Queen E, The original document from JW.ORG. Click the link to open it.

George and Dragon.docx

On 11/2/2017 at 6:52 AM, Queen Esther said:

THANK  YOU  SO  MUCH  MY  BROTHER....  hahaha    YES,  NOW  I  UNDERSTAND  BETTER !!   Btw.  We've  also  a  Humor - page  here,  with  alot  different  jokes

Look  here :  https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/forum/217-humor/

 

George and Dragon.docx

3 hours ago, Colin Browne said:

You once asked about the place where I live. Below is a picture copied from the free "GO" magazine this morning. East London is one of the few river ports in the world.

In the foreground "The Orient beach" can be seen. It's named after the wreck of the ship by that name. Parts of the wreck can be seen where the wave on the left breaks.

 

East London is well named. Many street names or places are the same as in England, EG: Oxford, Cambridge, Braemar,  Berea. etc.  It has had that name for many centuries.

Pity that politics play a part in the expensive changing of city names. The local council is considering a new name. Possibly 'Buffalo City' which is the river in the picture above. The Municipality have already adopted that name. Imagine the expenses cartographers, (map makers) directories and confusion for tourists.

In any case, there are no longer any buffalo roaming in any nearby region for ages.

On 10/6/2017 at 5:02 AM, Michael Krewson said:

1. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer.

2. Sorry, officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.

3. Aren't you the guy from the Village People?

4. Hey, you must've been going about 125 mph to keep up with me. Good job!

5. Are you Andy or Barney?

6. I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a police officer.

7. You're not going to check the trunk, are you?

8. I pay your salary!

9. Gee, officer! That's terrific. The last officer only gave me a warning, too!

10. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.

11. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there are no other cars around. That's how far ahead of me they are.

12. When the officer says "Gee son....Your eyes look red, have you been drinking?" You probably shouldn't respond with, "Gee officer your eyes look glazed, have you been eating donuts?"


 

13. Don't listen to him officer, he's had a few drinks.

3 hours ago, Queen Esther said:

THANK  YOU  SO  MUCH  MY  BROTHER....  hahaha    YES,  NOW  I  UNDERSTAND  BETTER !!   Btw.  We've  also  a  Humor - page  here,  with  alot  different  jokes

Look  here :  https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/forum/217-humor/

You once asked about the place where I live. Below is a picture copied from the free "GO" magazine this morning. East London is one of the few river ports in the world.

In the foreground "The Orient beach" can be seen. It's named after the wreck of the ship by that name. Parts of the wreck can be seen where the wave on the left breaks.

 

3 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Yeah,  when the kids would come to my parents door, we would give them raw eggs and gravel. We would actually reach into their candy bags and take candy OUT, thumping the side of the bag with our forefinger before grabbing some candy, so they thought we were dropping candy. With really young kids we would keep a bowl of firecrackers next to a lit candle on a side table, out of view, and drop a lit firecracker into the bag. About half way to the next house it would blow the bottom of the bag out and they would run. This was frowned on by the local authorities..

We would go through a subdivision, and before ringing a door bell,  would start unscrewing the porch light bulb. get the candy, and after the door closed, finish unscrewing the light bulbs, and put it in our bags. We left a trail of darkness behind us.  We could not take he light bulbs home as the Parents would know, so we had light bulb battles in the dark, in the middle of the street.

Nowadays, I just put a sign on my fence, "Our Family Does Not Celebrate Halloween, Please Try Another House", and in 30 years have never had a problem.

Perhaps it would be better to hide when they call and let them have their fun during their last few remaining years on earth. This is Satan’s world and these are his offspring. We could be endangering ourselves by challenging him with physical things. Acts 19:13-16. Some of these Halloween people may in later years accept the truth. We should oppose his attempts to anger us.  (James 4:7; Psalm 37:1. 2)

Hello sister, this was a joke during the early years of JW.ORG. Unlike these days, during those early days brothers and sisters could contribute anything to the librarian, which he will either publish or reject. I'm no longer sure whether the joke was made by  a brother or sister or by the librarian himself.

In the English language the word "Hypothetical" is used whenever an imaginary situation is presented.

While this wicked world lasts, there will always be people who call down evil on us when we approach them with the good news. I hope that you will now understand that it was not a genuine situation. It's something which could have happened.

Here's a picture I found at JW.ORG many years ago.

When a witness called on the house above, a woman upstairs began cursing him.

He then said, "Sorry ma,am. Can I please speak to George?"

1 hour ago, Queen Esther said:

I  AM  HAPPY  -  NOBODY   HAS  KNOCKED  AT  OUR  DOOR  ON  HALLOWEEN....    HILARIOUS

OUR  "USA"  HALLOWEEN  IS  OVER.....  ALL  OK  HERE !!

Before  few  years,  different  children  in  our  house,  sometimes  with  Dad  or  others,  very  awkward

WE  ALL  KNOWING  THE  DEEP  TRUE  SENSE  AROUND  THAT  DAY,  YES !!

That 'No bell' prize reminds me of a picture:

On ?2017?/?10?/?29 at 8:12 AM, Queen Esther said:

Btw.  I  like  pumpkin-soup, it  can  be  tasty   But  not  the  terrible  daemonic  ceremonies !

READ  MORE  BY  THE  LINK :  https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/origin-of-halloween/

 

d !

A day for demonic traditions. Hollowed pumpkins carved into heads with candles inside called Jack-O-lanterns. This celebration has it's origins in the Catholic church as an observance in honour of the saints. (All Saints Day. Daily Dispatch Newspaper October 30th 2003.)

What good can come from people wearing witch costumes and demon masks who terrorise people with their "Trick or Treat" threats. (Heb. 13:15, 16)

Jehovah is concerned that we keep our bodies clean and healthy. “‘You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah.” (Leviticus 19:28) Male and female were created in the same form which is why men also have nipples. It serves no purpose in discussing the way we were created, except that it’s wonderful. (Psalm 139:14) For instance, it matters not whether Adam were created with or without navels.

Thanks sister for your kind words. My favourite song is "He will call" (Job 14:13-15) in expectation of my dear wife's resurrection. With regard to the book of Job, I often wonder whether Jehovah was referring to Job's hidden enemy, Satan, at Job 41. The crocodile is the true king of beasts. An unseen enemy that can even kill a lion, which the world considers to be the king of beasts.

Truthfully, the collection of the old books which I had collected were on a book rack 1.2 meters wide, and from my lower hips to the ceiling. It pained me to give them away, but the person who received them was a very good friend and elder. These included Byington's Bible, with God's name Jehovah throughout and only 100,000 were printed. Also The Emphatic Dialogue which had God's name in the Greek Christian scriptures. I cannot recall how many other rare books there were among them. At 86 years old, every morning could be the last. One can only imagine what could have happened to those books after my death. (Eccl. 2:21) Every aged brother and sister who owns rare books should include a recipient in their wills. The time for "everything under the sun" could also be the time of our passing, which could well be when least expected.

Brother Barry English and his wife at Bethel, Krugersdorp South Africa volunteered to travel to the northern part of South Africa to learn the Venda language, before setting up congregations among them.  See Watchtower, 1st April 1999 pp 26-27. Below is the first part of his story:

For the past ten years, my wife and I have worked as full-time evangelizers among the Venda. The Venda dwell south of the Limpopo River in the north of South Africa, and their nation is made up of a number of tribes that crossed the Limpopo during past centuries. Some Venda claim that their forebears settled here over 1,000 years ago. Indeed, this region was once part of an old civilization called the Mapungubwe Kingdom. It was South Africa’s first large urban settlement, and it controlled the vast Limpopo River valley, from Botswana in the west to Mozambique in the east. From about 900 C.E. to 1100 C.E., Mapungubwe provided Arab traders with ivory, rhino horn, animal skins, copper, and even gold. Skilfully sculptured objects plated with gold have been unearthed on a royal burial hill called Mapungubwe. These are among “the earliest indications of gold mining in southern Africa,” suggests one encyclopaedia.

Brother Andrew had some good and bad experiences. Hereunder are a few links you can type in at the 2017 WT Library: Jack, Andrew: yb07 183 (dx86-16 Latvia) w09 7/15 p. 24 Ninety Years Ago I Began to ‘Remember My Grand Creator’

Here's part of it: 

At the time, Lithuania was an impoverished agricultural society, and preaching in the rurals posed challenges. Accommodations were difficult to obtain, and some lodging places we remembered for a long time. For instance, one night Andrew and I woke up because we felt uncomfortable. After we lit the oil lamp, we saw that the bed was covered with hundreds of bedbugs. We were bitten from head to foot! Each morning for a week, I had to stand up to my neck in the cold water of a nearby river to ease the pain. Still, we were determined to carry on in the ministry. Soon thereafter, the lodging problem was solved when we met a young couple who had embraced Bible truth. They took us into their home, which was tiny but clean. We gladly slept on the floor, and what a relief it was!

Good to hear about the 'anointed Brothers'. Brother Andrew Jack (anointed) studied with me in 1956, and we had the pleasure of inviting him him regularly to have meals at our home.  (Matt. 25:35) Brother Jack who came from Scotland was present when the equivalent of the circuit overseer in those days asked whether any of the brothers present would like to move to South Africa. He immediately jumped up and shouted, "Here I am, send me." (Isa. 6:8)

11 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Games, life’s chances, life’s gamble, (gambling) What is the question?

 

 

Problem gambling (or ludomania, but usually referred to as "gambling addiction" or "compulsive gambling") is an urge to gamble continuously despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. ... Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria.

 

 

Play in Tournaments. Magnus Carlsen won $1.5 million for placing first in the 2013 world chess championship — at the age of 22! That's about as good as it gets playing chess for money. However, you can win decent prize money at various lesser tournaments.

 

 

I believe someone here has said, my comments are unscriptural and not truthful, when it's quite the reverse. Who can that insider be?

 

 

Yet society has had to structure gambling anonymous for those that have fallen prey from ANY game by betting on it. That’s when scripture comes in and personals opinions fall short.

 

 

1-timothy 6:9

 

 

1-timothy 6:9 Translations

 

 

American King James Version (AKJV)

 

 

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

King James Version (KJV)

 

 

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

American Standard Version (ASV)

 

 

But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

Basic English Translation (BBE)

 

 

But those who have a desire for wealth are falling into danger, and are taken as in a net by a number of foolish and damaging desires, through which men are overtaken by death and destruction.

 

 

Webster's Revision

 

 

But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

World English Bible

 

 

But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

 

 

English Revised Version (ERV)

 

 

But they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

Definitions for 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

Perdition - Destruction.

 

 

Clarke's Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

But they that will be rich - Οἱ δε βουλομενοι πλουτειν. The words are emphatic, and refer to persons who are determined to get riches; who make this their object and aim in life; who live to get money; who get all they can, save all they can, and keep all they get; and yet are apprehensive of no danger, because they seek to be rich by honest means; for it is likely that the apostle does not refer to those who wish to get riches by robbery, plunder, extortion, etc.

By the term rich it is very likely that the apostle refers to what he had said above: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. He that has more than these is rich in the sense in which the apostle uses the term.

Fall into temptation and a snare - Του διαβολου, Of the devil, is added by D*FG, Vulgate, Itala, and many of the fathers. It is in consequence of the temptation of the devil that they have determined to be rich; this temptation once received, others quickly succeed: and when they have swallowed down the temptation to the thing, then they drink in a thousand temptations to the means; and all these lead them εις παγιδα, into an unforeseen and concealed trap. Παγις signifies a net, trap, gin, snare, spring, or pit dug in the ground filled with sharp stakes, and slightly covered over; so that when a man, or any animal, steps upon it, he tumbles in, and is taken or destroyed. Such a snare is that into which those who will be rich must necessarily fall. But who will believe this? See on 1 Timothy 6:10 (note)

And into many foolish and hurtful lusts - The whole conduct of such a person is a tissue of folly; scraping, gathering, and heaping up riches, and scarcely affording to take the necessaries of life out of them for himself. These lusts or desires are not only foolish, but they are hurtful; the mind is debased and narrowed by them; benevolent and generous feelings become extinct; charity perishes; and selfishness, the last and lowest principle in mental degradation, absorbs the soul; for these foolish and hurtful lusts drown men in destruction and perdition - the soul is destroyed by them here, and brought through them into a state of perdition hereafter. The apostle considers these persons like mariners in a storm; by the concurrence of winds, waves, and tide, they are violently driven among the rocks, the vessel is dashed to pieces, and in a moment they are all ingulfed in the great deep! Such is the lot and unavoidable catastrophe of them that will be rich, even though they should strive to accomplish their desires by means the most rigidly honest.

In this place I beg leave to refer the reader to a sermon on this text by the late Rev. John Wesley, in which the whole of this subject is treated by the hand of a master; and, for usefulness, the sermon is superior to every thing of the kind ever published. It is entitled, The Danger of Riches; and is found in his Works, Vol. 2, page 248, American edit.

 

 

Barnes' Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

But they that will be rich - Further to enforce the duty of contentment, the apostle refers to some of the evils which necessarily attend a desire to be rich. Those evils have been so great and uniform in all ages, and are so necessary accompaniments of that desire, that, even amidst many inconveniences which may attend the opposite condition, we should he contented with our lot. Indeed, if we could see all, it would only be necessary to see the evils which the desire of wealth produces in the world, to make us contented with a most lowly condition of life. Perhaps nothing more would be necessary to make a poor man satisfied with his lot, and grateful for it, than to be acquainted with the perplexities and cares of a rich man. There is more emphasis to be placed on the word will, here, in the phrase, "will be rich," than might be supposed from our translation. It is not the sign of the future tense, but implies an actual "purpose" or "design" to become rich - οἱ βουλόμενοι hoi boulomenoi. The reference is to those in whom this becomes the object of earnest desire, and who lay their plans for it.

Fall into temptation - That is, they are tempted to do wicked things in order to accomplish their purposes. It is extremely difficult to cherish the desire to be rich, as the leading purpose of the soul, and to he an honest man.

And a snare - Birds are taken in a snare, and wild beasts were formerly; see the notes on Job 18:8-9. The net was sprung suddenly upon them, and they could not escape. The idea here is, that they who have this desire become so entangled, that they cannot easily escape. They become involved in the meshes of worldliness and sin; their movements are so fettered by cares, and inordinate desires, and by artificial needs, that they are no longer freemen. They become so involved in these things, that they cannot well break away from them if they would; compare Proverbs 28:20.

And into many foolish and hurtful lusts - Desires, such as the love of wealth creates. They are foolish - as being not such as an intelligent and immortal being should pursue; and they are hurtful - as being injurious to morals, to health, and to the soul. Among those desires, are the fondness for display; for a magnificent dwelling, a train of menials, and a splendid equipage; for sumptuous living, feasting, the social glass, company, and riotous dissipation.

Which drown men in destruction and perdition - The word which is here rendered, "drown" - βυθίζω buthizō - means, to "sink in the" deep, or, "to cause to sink;" and the meaning here is, that they become submerged as a ship that sinks. The idea of drowning is not properly that of the apostle, but the image is that of a wreck, where a ship and all that is in it go down together. The destruction is complete. There is a total ruin of happiness, of virtue, of reputation, and of the soul. The ruling desire to be rich leads on a train of follies which ruins everything here, and hereafter. How many of the human family have thus been destroyed!

 

 

Wesley's Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

6:9 They that desire to be rich - To have more than these; for then they would be so far rich; and the very desire banishes content, and exposes them to ruin. Fall - plunge - A sad gradation! Into temptation - Miserable food for the soul! And a snare - Or trap. Dreadful covering! And into many foolish and hurtful desires - Which are sown and fed by having more than we need. Then farewell all hope of content! What then remains, but destruction for the body, and perdition for the soul?

 

 

11 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Games, life’s chances, life’s gamble, (gambling) What is the question?

 

 

Problem gambling (or ludomania, but usually referred to as "gambling addiction" or "compulsive gambling") is an urge to gamble continuously despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. ... Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria.

 

 

Play in Tournaments. Magnus Carlsen won $1.5 million for placing first in the 2013 world chess championship — at the age of 22! That's about as good as it gets playing chess for money. However, you can win decent prize money at various lesser tournaments.

 

 

I believe someone here has said, my comments are unscriptural and not truthful, when it's quite the reverse. Who can that insider be?

 

 

Yet society has had to structure gambling anonymous for those that have fallen prey from ANY game by betting on it. That’s when scripture comes in and personals opinions fall short.

 

 

1-timothy 6:9

 

 

1-timothy 6:9 Translations

 

 

American King James Version (AKJV)

 

 

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

King James Version (KJV)

 

 

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

American Standard Version (ASV)

 

 

But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

Basic English Translation (BBE)

 

 

But those who have a desire for wealth are falling into danger, and are taken as in a net by a number of foolish and damaging desires, through which men are overtaken by death and destruction.

 

 

Webster's Revision

 

 

But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

World English Bible

 

 

But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

 

 

English Revised Version (ERV)

 

 

But they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

 

Definitions for 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

Perdition - Destruction.

 

 

Clarke's Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

But they that will be rich - Οἱ δε βουλομενοι πλουτειν. The words are emphatic, and refer to persons who are determined to get riches; who make this their object and aim in life; who live to get money; who get all they can, save all they can, and keep all they get; and yet are apprehensive of no danger, because they seek to be rich by honest means; for it is likely that the apostle does not refer to those who wish to get riches by robbery, plunder, extortion, etc.

By the term rich it is very likely that the apostle refers to what he had said above: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. He that has more than these is rich in the sense in which the apostle uses the term.

Fall into temptation and a snare - Του διαβολου, Of the devil, is added by D*FG, Vulgate, Itala, and many of the fathers. It is in consequence of the temptation of the devil that they have determined to be rich; this temptation once received, others quickly succeed: and when they have swallowed down the temptation to the thing, then they drink in a thousand temptations to the means; and all these lead them εις παγιδα, into an unforeseen and concealed trap. Παγις signifies a net, trap, gin, snare, spring, or pit dug in the ground filled with sharp stakes, and slightly covered over; so that when a man, or any animal, steps upon it, he tumbles in, and is taken or destroyed. Such a snare is that into which those who will be rich must necessarily fall. But who will believe this? See on 1 Timothy 6:10 (note)

And into many foolish and hurtful lusts - The whole conduct of such a person is a tissue of folly; scraping, gathering, and heaping up riches, and scarcely affording to take the necessaries of life out of them for himself. These lusts or desires are not only foolish, but they are hurtful; the mind is debased and narrowed by them; benevolent and generous feelings become extinct; charity perishes; and selfishness, the last and lowest principle in mental degradation, absorbs the soul; for these foolish and hurtful lusts drown men in destruction and perdition - the soul is destroyed by them here, and brought through them into a state of perdition hereafter. The apostle considers these persons like mariners in a storm; by the concurrence of winds, waves, and tide, they are violently driven among the rocks, the vessel is dashed to pieces, and in a moment they are all ingulfed in the great deep! Such is the lot and unavoidable catastrophe of them that will be rich, even though they should strive to accomplish their desires by means the most rigidly honest.

In this place I beg leave to refer the reader to a sermon on this text by the late Rev. John Wesley, in which the whole of this subject is treated by the hand of a master; and, for usefulness, the sermon is superior to every thing of the kind ever published. It is entitled, The Danger of Riches; and is found in his Works, Vol. 2, page 248, American edit.

 

 

Barnes' Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

But they that will be rich - Further to enforce the duty of contentment, the apostle refers to some of the evils which necessarily attend a desire to be rich. Those evils have been so great and uniform in all ages, and are so necessary accompaniments of that desire, that, even amidst many inconveniences which may attend the opposite condition, we should he contented with our lot. Indeed, if we could see all, it would only be necessary to see the evils which the desire of wealth produces in the world, to make us contented with a most lowly condition of life. Perhaps nothing more would be necessary to make a poor man satisfied with his lot, and grateful for it, than to be acquainted with the perplexities and cares of a rich man. There is more emphasis to be placed on the word will, here, in the phrase, "will be rich," than might be supposed from our translation. It is not the sign of the future tense, but implies an actual "purpose" or "design" to become rich - οἱ βουλόμενοι hoi boulomenoi. The reference is to those in whom this becomes the object of earnest desire, and who lay their plans for it.

Fall into temptation - That is, they are tempted to do wicked things in order to accomplish their purposes. It is extremely difficult to cherish the desire to be rich, as the leading purpose of the soul, and to he an honest man.

And a snare - Birds are taken in a snare, and wild beasts were formerly; see the notes on Job 18:8-9. The net was sprung suddenly upon them, and they could not escape. The idea here is, that they who have this desire become so entangled, that they cannot easily escape. They become involved in the meshes of worldliness and sin; their movements are so fettered by cares, and inordinate desires, and by artificial needs, that they are no longer freemen. They become so involved in these things, that they cannot well break away from them if they would; compare Proverbs 28:20.

And into many foolish and hurtful lusts - Desires, such as the love of wealth creates. They are foolish - as being not such as an intelligent and immortal being should pursue; and they are hurtful - as being injurious to morals, to health, and to the soul. Among those desires, are the fondness for display; for a magnificent dwelling, a train of menials, and a splendid equipage; for sumptuous living, feasting, the social glass, company, and riotous dissipation.

Which drown men in destruction and perdition - The word which is here rendered, "drown" - βυθίζω buthizō - means, to "sink in the" deep, or, "to cause to sink;" and the meaning here is, that they become submerged as a ship that sinks. The idea of drowning is not properly that of the apostle, but the image is that of a wreck, where a ship and all that is in it go down together. The destruction is complete. There is a total ruin of happiness, of virtue, of reputation, and of the soul. The ruling desire to be rich leads on a train of follies which ruins everything here, and hereafter. How many of the human family have thus been destroyed!

 

 

Wesley's Commentary on 1-timothy 6:9

 

 

6:9 They that desire to be rich - To have more than these; for then they would be so far rich; and the very desire banishes content, and exposes them to ruin. Fall - plunge - A sad gradation! Into temptation - Miserable food for the soul! And a snare - Or trap. Dreadful covering! And into many foolish and hurtful desires - Which are sown and fed by having more than we need. Then farewell all hope of content! What then remains, but destruction for the body, and perdition for the soul?

 

 

Whether fornication, swearing, gambling, etc, any witness who needs to go for counseling at a worldly institute has no faith in the power of prayer. He would be saying to himself, "I'm hooked and can't stop. I prayed, but God didn't help me. It's not just the prayer, it how one prays, how earnestly and in faith.

Although I too had a few addictions, I had faith - and patience. It it was noticed that Jehovah doesn't always respond immediately. He answers when the person is in a situation, place, time or a vicinity where attention to the person's needs will receive attention. It one case, it was flu which developed into bronchitis, then pneumonia. That helped me stop smoking. The doctor told me I'm in a terrible state which could end fatally. I stopped, and in six months I took up surfing. Yes, I did thank Jehovah.

We often hear people respond with, "Well good luck to you" concerning any venture. Is it not better to say, "Jehovah willing", or similar?

We cannot blame our society for investing. Not all that many brothers donate to the World Wide Work. Why did our Society have have to sell it's magnificent building with, "Read the Bible today" and move to a cheaper area?

We ourselves are investing our money when we open a savings account.

On 7/9/2017 at 2:39 PM, Bible Speaks said:

“You men are those leaving Jehovah, those forgetting my holy mountain, those setting in order a table for the god of Good Luck and those filling up mixed wine for the god of Destiny.” (Isaiah 65:11)

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Does the Bible Condemn Gambling?

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The Lure of Luck

Since gambling involves betting on uncertainties, belief in luck—a mysterious force that supposedly controls random events—plays a large role, especially when money is wagered. For example, auspicious numbers are chosen for lottery tickets; the uttering of certain words is forbidden among superstitious mah-jongg players; and a puff of air is blown over dice before they are thrown. Why? Gamblers often believe that luck will, or at least might, influence the outcome.

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Is it merely a harmless game to put one’s trust in luck? Some people in ancient Israel felt that way. They believed that luck could bring them prosperity. How did Jehovah God feel about the matter? In God’s eyes, belief in luck is a form of idolatry and is not compatible with true worship. It reflects trust in an imaginary force rather than in the true God. There is no reason to believe that God has changed his view.

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There is a much more sinister side to gambling besides winning and losing. “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin,” says God’s Word. (1 Timothy 6:9) 

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A snare is designed to entangle a victim. Countless numbers of people, determined to wager only a small amount of money or to try their hand at gambling just a few times, have become entangled and unable to escape gambling addiction. It has destroyed careers, hurt loved ones, and ruined families.

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“Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) God’s will, not popular sentiment, should guide a Christian’s life. As “the happy God,” Jehovah wants us to enjoy life, free of the bitter fruitage that results from the snare that gambling is.—1 Timothy 1:11.

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Servants of God earn money by honest work

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The Excitement of Winning

Is gambling habit-forming, easily leading to addiction? Following a study of gamblers’ responses to winning and losing, Dr. Hans Breiter noted that “a monetary reward in a gambling-like experiment produces brain activation very similar to that observed in a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011167#h=8

Thank you for your wise thoughts. We all know about those determined to get rich. (1Tim. 6:9)

No sense in debating on such matters - rather help the poorer brothers and sisters, then you are lending to Jehovah. (He will repay you)