Unlike the proud and envious Abimelech, Tola’s great desire was, not to secure position or honor for himself, but to improve the condition of his people. A man of deep humility, he felt that he could accomplish no great work, but he determined to perform with faithfulness his duty to God and to the people. He highly valued the privilege of divine worship, and chose to dwell near the tabernacle, that he might oftener attend upon the services there performed (The Signs of the Times, August 11, 1881).{2BC 1005.3}

I modsætning til den stolte og misundelige Abimelek, var Tolas store ønske, at ikke sikre sig position eller ære for sig selv, men forbedre sit folks situation. Som et dybt ydmygt menneske, følte han at han ikke kunne udrette et stort arbejde, men han besluttede at udføre sin pligt over for Gud trofast, og for folket. Han værdsatte højt privilegiet at tilbede Gud, og valgte at bo nær tabernaklet, så han oftere kunne deltage i de tjenester der skete der (ST 11. aug., 1881).