Digging for Spiritual Gems — Week of June 22-28, 2026

Weekly question: What Can Christian Superintendents Learn from This Verse?

Answer 1:

Christian superintendents learn that they cannot rely solely on their experience, ability or good intention. Jeremiah 10:21 shows that the shepherds of Judah did not act with understanding because they did not consult Jehovah. Therefore, the elders need to always base their decisions, counsels, and teaching on the Bible and humbly ask for the guidance of Jehovah.

Answer 2:

This verse highlights the importance of personal study. An old man may have many responsibilities, but if he stops studying regularly, his teaching could lose depth and accuracy. To feed the flock well, you need to know God’s Word well and use it in a balanced, practical and affectionate way.

Answer 3:

The shepherds of the days of Jeremiah did not seek Jehovah, and the result was that the flock was scattered. Christian superintendents learn that their decisions can greatly influence the peace and unity of the congregation. When they follow the biblical guidance and the example of Jesus, they help the brethren feel protected, cared for and spiritually strong.

Answer 4:

Elders can learn that teaching is not just about transmitting information. Teaching must be healthy spiritual food, based on the Scriptures and adapted to the real needs of brothers and sisters. When an old man prepares his comments, speeches or advice well, he shows that he deeply values the flock that Jehovah has entrusted to him.

Answer 5:

Jeremiah 10:21 also teaches the superintendents the importance of humility. No elder has all the answers and cannot depend on his own judgment. By consulting Jehovah through prayer, studying the Bible and following the spiritual guidance that is received, it shows that he recognizes who is the true Pastor of the congregation.

Jeremiah 9:1

I wish my head was water and my eyes were a source of tears. Then I would weep night and day for the dead of my people.

Comment 1:

Jeremiah was not indifferent to the spiritual condition of the people. Although he had to announce tough messages, he was hurt to see the consequences of disobedience. This teaches us that, in ministry, we do not want to judge people with coldness. Rather, we seek to maintain compassion for those who are far from Jehovah and need hope.

Jeremiah 9:3

Do they have their tongue as an arch; instead of fidelity, falsehood reigns in the country. They go from wickedness to another and they do not listen to me, says Jehovah.

Comment 2:

Jehovah compares the language of those people to a bow ready to throw arrows. His words could hurt, deceive and cause harm. This pearl reminds us that we must use the tongue to strengthen, not to hurt. Before talking about someone or giving an opinion, we may wonder if our words reflect fidelity, truth and love.

Jeremiah 9:5

Everybody deceives their neighbor, and no one tells the truth. They’ve taught his tongue to tell lies. They’re exhausted from doing so much wrong.

Comment 3:

The people had reached a sad point: lying had become something learned and usual. That shows that bad behavior, if not corrected, can end up looking normal. For us, this warning highlights the importance of being sincere at all times: in the family, at work, in economic affairs and also within the congregation.

Jeremiah 9:6

You live surrounded by deception. “In their deception, they would not know me,” says Jehovah.

Comment 4:

Deception not only damaged relations between people; it also prevented them from truly knowing Jehovah. This teaches us that knowing Jehovah implies loving the truth. We cannot cultivate a close friendship with him if we maintain a dishonest attitude or hide incorrect behavior. Sincerity brings us closer to Jehovah and strengthens our consciousness.

Jeremiah 9:7

Therefore this is what Jehovah of hosts saith: Shall I melt them, and I will test them, for what else can I do with the daughter of my people?

Comment 5:

Jehovah compared the discipline to the process of melting a metal. The aim was not to make the people suffer, but to eliminate the bad and to give them the opportunity to improve. This idea can help us when we face correction or testing. Jehovah can use these situations to refine qualities such as humility, patience, and trust in him.

Jeremiah 9:13, 14

Jehovah said, It was because they rejected my law, that I set them before them, and because they did not follow it, and obeyed not my voice. Instead, they stubbornly got carried away by their own heart and followed the images of Baal.

Comment 6:

The problem of the people was not a lack of information, but rejected what Jehovah had already taught them. They preferred to follow their own heart and wrong traditions. This reminds us that the heart is not always a safe guide. To make good decisions, we need to let the Bible educate our conscience and guide our desires.

Jeremiah 9:20

You, women, listen to the words of Jehovah. May your ears receive the words from your mouth. Teach your daughters this lament, and show each other this mourning song.

Comment 7:

Jehovah asked that his words be transmitted from one generation to another. Although the message was sad, it contained a lesson that should not be forgotten. Today we also have a responsibility to talk about Jehovah at home and help younger people understand the consequences of getting away from him. Biblical lessons can protect you throughout your life.

Jeremiah 9:23

This is what Jehovah saith: Let the wise man not both thyself from his wisdom, let the mighty not bodese from his power, and let the rich not bode well for his riches.

Comment 8:

Jehovah does not say that wisdom, strength, or material resources may be evil. The danger is to make them a source of pride or security. This text helps us to maintain a balanced view of our capabilities. Everything we have may disappear, but our friendship with Jehovah and spiritual qualities have much greater value.

Jeremiah 9:24

But whoever powl does this: to have understanding and knowledge of me, that I am Jehovah, he that shows faithful love, righteousness, and righteousness in the earth, for these are the things which I like, saith Jehovah.

Comment 9:

The greatest reason for feeling joy is not what we achieve, but to know Jehovah and to reflect his qualities. He highlights his loyal love, his righteousness and his righteousness. This encourages us to imitate him in daily life: treating others with loyalty, being fair in our decisions and doing the right thing even when no one is watching us.

Jeremiah 9:26

For all nations are uncircumcised, and all the men of the house of Israel are uncircumcised from the heart.

Comment 10:

Jehovah showed that it is not enough to bear an external sign of worship. Israel’s problem was in the heart: they did not want to obey or let themselves be molded. This pearl invites us to examine us. More important than appearing spirituality is to have a receptive, humble heart and willing to accept Jehovah’s guidance.

Jeremiah 10:2

This is what Jehovah saith: Let not the conduct of the nations , and let the signs of the heavens not terrify them, only for the nations are terrified of them.

Comment 1:

Jehovah warned his people not to be dominated by popular superstitions or fears. People in the nations saw signs in the sky and thought they controlled their future. Today we also do not want to allow horoscopes, superstitions or alarmist theories to determine our decisions. We trust in Jehovah, who has control of everything.

Jeremiah 10:3-5

Because the customs of peoples are a lie. It is a simple tree of the forest that they cut, and the hands of the craftsman shape him with his tool. They adorn him with silver and gold, and with hammers and nails hold him so that he does not fall. Those idols are like a scarecrow in a cucumber field; they can’t talk.

Comment 2:

Jehovah exposes the absurdity of idolatry. An idol was made by people and even had to be held so as not to fall. I couldn’t talk, walk or help anyone. This comparison strengthens our faith, because Jehovah is not a lifeless image. He is real, listens to our prayers and acts on behalf of those who love him.

Jeremiah 10:6

Is no man like you, O Jehovah. You are great, and your name is great and powerful.

Comment 3:

After speaking of the futility of idols, Jeremiah highlights the greatness of Jehovah. There’s no one who can compare himself to him. This pearl helps us maintain a high view of Jehovah, especially when we face problems that seem very great. No situation is too difficult for the God whose name is powerful.

Jeremiah 10:7

Who should not fear you, O King of the nations? Well, that’s what needs to be done. For, among all the wise men of the nations and among all their kingdoms, there is absolutely no one like you.

Comment 4:

Jehovah is not the God of one people; he is the King of the nations. No ruler, expert or human system can be compared with his wisdom. This verse helps us not to put our absolute trust in human leaders. We respect the authorities, but we recognize that true security comes from the Kingdom of Jehovah.

Jeremiah 10:10

But Jehovah is the true God. He is the living God and the eternal King. Because of its indignation, the earth will tremble, and no nation can bear its fury.

Comment 5:

Jehovah is the living God, not an impersonal force or a simple religious tradition. He has power, feelings, and a purpose that will always be fulfilled. Knowing this gives us security. Even if governments and ideas change, Jehovah remains the eternal King. His justice never fails and his Kingdom will never be replaced.

Jeremiah 10:12, 13

He is the one who made the earth, who made it with his power, the one who established the productive earth with his wisdom and stretched out the heavens with his understanding. When he lets his voice be heard, the waters of heaven are erupting.

Comment 6:

Creation demonstrates the enormous power and wisdom of Jehovah. He not only created the Earth, but made it possible for it to be productive and fit for life. When we look at nature, we can feel more gratitude and confidence. The God who controls natural forces can also give us the wisdom and endurance we need every day.

Jeremiah 10:14, 15

All men act in an unreasonable and unknowing manner. All goldsmiths will be ashamed of carved images, for their images of metal are a deception, and there is no spirit in them. They’re a hoax, ridiculous works. When the day of reckoning comes to them, they will disappear.

Comment 7:

The idols might seem impressive because they were made of valuable materials, but they had no life or power. This idea can help us identify modern idols: things that seem very important, but cannot save us or give us real happiness. Jehovah deserves our devotion because he can sustain us and guide us.

Jeremiah 10:16

He who is the rightd part of Jacob is not like these things, for he is the one who formed everything, and Israel is the staff of his inheritance. His name is Jehovah of hosts.

Comment 8:

Jehovah is not like idols or as the things created. He is the Creator of all things and chose Israel as his inheritance. This reminds us of the privilege we have to belong to your people. We do not serve a human idea, but the God who formed the universe and who is personally interested in his servants.

Jeremiah 10:21

Because the shepherds have behaved in an unreasonable way and have not consulted Jehovah. That’s why they haven’t acted with understanding and all their flocks have been dispersed.

Comment 9:

The leaders of Judah failed because they did not seek the guidance of Jehovah. As a result, they did not protect the people or help them to hold together. This verse highlights the responsibility of those who care for the congregation. Christian superintendents must teach and make decisions based on the Bible, not personal opinions.

Jeremiah 10:23

Oh, Jehovah, I know very well that man does not own his way. It’s not even up to the man who’s walking it’s even up to him to direct his steps.

Comment 10:

Jeremiah humbly recognized that human beings were not created to lead our life independently of Jehovah. This truth is very practical when we make important decisions. We may plan and strive, but we need to ask Jehovah for direction, to seek biblical principles and to be willing to adjust our path when he guides us.