I scanned this article and I saw a theme throughout it. When info like this shows up in the study WT, you can be sure the elders are doing it wrong and the WTS hits directly on what it is. Older elders do it wrong and train by word and action the newer elders to do it wrong. (All quotes for you to make what you think about it)
WT JULY 2025 GIVE ADVICE
Elders especially need to be able to give advice effectively.
by providing Bible-based counsel in their talks to the congregation
give counsel to individual sheep, including those who have strayed from the flock. How can elders and, by extension, all of us give good advice?
good counselor by studying the example set by Bible characters, especially Jesus
we will discuss what we can do when we are asked to give advice and what we can do when we have to give counsel without being asked. We will also consider the importance of giving advice at the right time and in the right way.
Jesus knew what to say. He always knew the right thing to say because he based his advice on Jehovah’s wisdom, never his own.
we must make sure that the counsel we give is based, not on our own thoughts, but on God’s Word.
When counseling someone, we need to wait until it is the right “time to speak.”
If we overwhelm the person with information, he may become confused
tell him only as much as he needs to know to deal with the challenge he is facing.
Jesus repeatedly had to give his apostles counsel about being humble. On each occasion, though, he was mild and respectful (means TACTFUL)
what should be our first reaction? We may be flattered and want to help immediately. But we should first ask ourselves, ‘Am I qualified to give advice in this area?
directing the person to someone who is qualified to provide guidance on that subject.
Suppose that a close friend develops a serious medical condition. He tells you that he has started researching the treatment options that are available to him, and then he asks you to give your opinion on which treatment you feel is better. You may have strong personal opinions on the matter, but you have no medical qualifications or training in dealing with the illness. In that case, the best way you can help your friend is to assist him in finding someone who is qualified to help him.
we may choose to wait for a short period of time before answering a person who asks us for advice.
What if we think that we know the answer? We might still take some time to do research, to pray, and to meditate. Then we can be more confident that our answer is in harmony with Jehovah’s feelings on the matter
Consider another reason why we should be careful when giving advice to someone: We could share responsibility if our counsel causes someone to make a decision that brings on negative consequences.
That such a person “is heading in the wrong direction, though he may not yet have committed a serious sin.” The goal of the elders is to help the person remain on the road
for their counsel to be effective, however, they first need to make sure that the person has really taken a false step.
Jehovah allows all of us to make decisions based on our own conscience.
Similarly, before an elder gives unsolicited counsel, he does well to prepare the ground, so to speak
the elder can continue to soften the ground by acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and needs counsel from time to time.
In a calm voice and with deep respect, the elder clearly shows him from the Scriptures
Once the brother acknowledges that he has made a mistake, the elder “plants the seed” by explaining to him, in simple terms, what he needs to do to try to correct the situation.
sincerely commending the brother and by praying with him
Sometimes, what the counselor says and what the person receiving the counsel hears are two different things.
But we must resist the urge to give advice when we are angry
However, we can communicate more effectively if we wait until we are calm
Advice is best given at the right time and in the right way—with respect and love
Elders who give specific, Bible-based advice