Come Be My Follower - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site

“ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM” 51
vise us to pursue proper speech and conduct. His counsel
goes much deeper than that. Well aware that thoughts
and feelings lead to words and actions, Jesus urges us
to cultivate positive qualities of mind and heart, such as
mildness of temper, a hunger for righteousness, an inclination
to be merciful and peaceable, and love for others.
(Matthew 5:5-9, 43-48) As we build up such qualities in
our heart, the result will be wholesome speech and conduct
that not only please Jehovah but also promote good
relationships with fellow humans.—Matthew 5:16.
11 When giving counsel on sinful behavior, Jesus gets to
the very root of the matter. He does not simply tell us to
refrain from violent acts. Rather, he warns us not to allow
anger to smolder in our heart. (Matthew 5:21, 22; 1 John
3:15) He does not only forbid the act of adultery. Instead,
he warns of the passion that begins in the heart and leads
to such betrayal. He admonishes us not to allow our eyes
to arouse improper desire and stimulate lust. (Matthew 5:
27-30) Jesus deals with causes, not just symptoms. He addresses
the attitudes and desires that give birth to sinful
deeds.—Psalm 7:14.
12 What wisdom there is in the words of Jesus! Little
wonder that “the crowds were astounded at his way
of teaching.” (Matthew 7:28) As his followers, we view his
wise counsel as a pattern for living. We seek to cultivate
the positive qualities he recommended—including mercy,
peaceableness, and love—knowing that we will thus
be laying a foundation for godly conduct. We endeavor
to root out of our heart the negative feelings and desires
he warned against, such as bitter anger and immoral
11. When giving counsel on sinful behavior, how does Jesus get to
the root of the matter?
12. How do followers of Jesus view his counsel, and why?