Right and Wrong: The Bible—A Reliable Guide
We cannot be sure that our moral choices will turn out well if we base them only on how we or other people feel. The Bible reveals why, but it also does more. It contains reliable moral guidance—the key to enjoying a happy and fulfilling life.
GUIDANCE WE NEED
In the Bible, Jehovah a God explains that he intended for humans to look to him for guidance, not to guide, or direct, themselves. (Jeremiah 10:23) That is why he has provided the moral guidelines found in the Bible. He loves the human family and wants to spare us from experiencing the harmful consequences and frustration of making important life decisions based on trial and error. (Deuteronomy 5:29; 1 John 4:8) More than that, as our Creator, he has the wisdom and knowledge needed to give us the best possible moral advice. (Psalm 100:3; 104:24) Yet, God never forces people to live by his standards.
Jehovah gave the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, everything they needed to be truly happy. (Genesis 1:28, 29; 2:8, 15) He also gave them simple instructions that he expected them to obey. However, he let them choose for themselves whether they would follow those instructions or not. (Genesis 2:9, 16, 17) Sadly, Adam and Eve chose to live by their own standards rather than God’s standards. (Genesis 3:6) What has been the result? Is the human family better off deciding for themselves what is right and wrong? No. History proves that ignoring God’s standards does not bring lasting peace and happiness.—Ecclesiastes 8:9.
The Bible provides the guidance we need in order to make wise moral choices, regardless of our background. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; see the box “ A Book for All People.”) Consider how the Bible does this.
Learn more about why the Bible can rightly be called “the word of God.”—1 Thessalonians 2:13. Watch the video Who Is the Author of the Bible? on jw.org.
HOW THE BIBLE REVEALS GOD’S GUIDANCE
The Bible is an accurate record of Jehovah’s dealings with humankind. What it contains helps us to discern what God views as right and wrong, beneficial and harmful. (Psalm 19:7, 11) We learn timeless principles that help us to make wise moral choices in our daily lives.
For example, consider the advice found at Proverbs 13:20: “The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.” That principle is just as applicable in our modern world as it was in ancient times. The Bible is full of such practical and valuable principles.—See the box “ The Bible’s Timeless Wisdom.”
But you may wonder, ‘How can I be sure that the Bible’s moral guidance works today?’ The next article will consider some real-life examples.
a Jehovah is the personal name of God.—Psalm 83:18.
