Tuesday, October 14 They abandoned the house of Jehovah.​—2 Chron. 24:18.

[Áine]

Tuesday, October 14

They abandoned the house of Jehovah.—2 Chron. 24:18.

 

One lesson we can learn from King Jehoash’s bad decision is that we need to choose friends who will be a good influence on us—friends who love Jehovah and who want to make him happy. We do not need to limit our association to those in our own age group. Remember, Jehoash was much younger than his friend Jehoiada. Regarding your choice of friends, ask yourself: ‘Do they help me to strengthen my faith in Jehovah? Are they encouraging me to live by God’s standards? Do they talk about Jehovah and his valuable truths? Do they show respect for God’s standards? Do they just tell me what I might want to hear, or do they have the courage to correct me if I stray?’ (Prov. 27:5, 6, 17) Frankly, if your friends do not love Jehovah, you do not need them. But if you have friends who love Jehovah, hang on to them—they will be good for you!—Prov. 13:20. w23.09 9-10 ¶6-7

[dljbsp]

Jehoash had every reason to succeed, but he traded wise counsel for flattering voices—and it ruined him. When Jehoiada was gone, so was his backbone. That’s the danger of friends who please your ears instead of guarding your heart. Choose companions who love Jehovah more than your comfort, who care enough to correct you when you drift—because loyalty without truth isn’t friendship, it’s a slow undoing.

[cricket246]

I know that relatives are a form of friends and this daily text hit on something ive been researching. When its an immediate relative we live with, i know its different than someone living elsewhere & if they are an unbeliever or spiritually weak, we would still be cautious with our association. However, how could we still have a familial relationship while guarding our relationship with Jehovah. Anyone know of any modern articles. I have a few myself, like the Sep. 2025 WT on showing respect, but im looking for others, too. (If this is wrong place to post this, please move.)

[Kenneth Bang Ingvartsen]

This text gives us a very important reminder about how much influence our friends can have on our relationship with Jehovah. The life of King Jehoash clearly shows that even a good start is no guarantee of a faithful life if we allow ourselves to be influenced by bad associates. As long as Jehoiada was alive, Jehoash listened to good, spiritual advice. But when Jehoiada died, Jehoash began to follow men who did not love Jehovah, and that led him away from true worship.

 

We learn that true wisdom lies in choosing friends who love Jehovah and who help us strengthen our faith. Proverbs says: “The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly. ” — Proverbs 13:20.

 

When we seek friends among those who truly put Jehovah first in their lives, we gain support, comfort, and encouragement—especially when we face trials. Such friends will not simply tell us what we want to hear; they will lovingly help us stay on the narrow path that leads to life.

 

That’s why it’s wise to ask ourselves: “Do my friends help me to love Jehovah more?” If the answer is yes, then we should be grateful, because such friends are a real gift from God.

 

This is a beautiful reminder to cherish good, spiritual friendships, for they help us remain faithful to Jehovah, our dear and loyal Friend forever.

Edited 10 hours ago by Kenneth Bang Ingvartsen