With the Pharisaical attitude of the WTS, how could they do anything but what their predecessors did, burden its members, "loading them down like pack animals."
Matthew 23:4 (MSG)"Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help
Luke 11:46 (MSG)He said, "Yes, and I can be even more explicit. You're hopeless, you religion scholars! You load people down with rules and regulations, nearly breaking their backs, but never lift even a finger to help.
Matthew 23:4 (NLT)They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden.
Luke 11:46 (NLT)"Yes," said Jesus, "how terrible it will be for you experts in religious law! For you crush people beneath impossible religious demands, and you never lift a finger to help ease the burden.
VOMIT ALERT!!!
6/15/99 WT p. 13
When called on to give counsel or correction, considerate and balanced reasoning will help us to gain the respect of our spiritual brothers and to render truly effective assistance. It is so easy to concentrate on a few facts and jump to a hasty, one-sided conclusion. This gives the impression that we are narrow-minded, if not closed-minded, like the religious leaders of Jesus? day, who tended to burden others with their endless regulations. (Matthew 23:2-4) On the other hand, if we avoid extremes and provide fine counsel solidly based on Scriptural principles, reflecting Jehovah?s righteous yet balanced and merciful thinking, it will be much easier for others to accept and to apply our suggestions.
NO BEARDS--Based on scriptural principles????!!!!