Watchtower Study, “Article 26,” Week of September 1-7, 2025, Let Us Modestly Accept the Things We Do Not Know, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 26,” September 1-7, 2025, Let Us Modestly Accept the Things We Do Not Know, Answers.

“It is not within our power to understand the Almighty” (JOB 37:23).

1. What ability did Jehovah give us, and why?

Jehovah gave us the ability to think, learn, and reason because he wants us to know Him and make good decisions in serving Him. This ability is not a product of chance or evolution, but a direct gift from our Creator.

Proverbs 2:1-5 encourages us to seek the knowledge of God as if it were hidden treasure. This takes effort, but it also shows us that Jehovah expects us to use our minds to come to know him better.

God didn't create us as programmed robots, but as intelligent beings with the freedom to choose. By studying the Bible and applying what we learn, we demonstrate that we value this ability and that we want to please Jehovah.

2. a) What should we recognize? (Job 37:23, 24; see also the image.)

We must recognize that, although Jehovah has given us the ability to learn, we do not know everything. Job 37:23, 24 reminds us that Jehovah is great in power and justice, and that we cannot fully understand him. This should inspire us with respect and humility.

In Job's case, he thought he understood everything that was happening to him, but when Jehovah asked him questions about creation and the universe, he realized there was much he didn't know.

That experience led him to correct his attitude and become more humble. Therefore, it's good to accept our limitations and trust Jehovah to reveal what we need to make good decisions.

2. b) How does it benefit us to be modest and recognize that we do not know everything?

Being modest and recognizing our limitations is essential for growing spiritually and maintaining a good relationship with Jehovah. Modesty allows us to view ourselves realistically and not overestimate our intelligence or experience.

This helps us rely more on Jehovah's wisdom than on our own logic, as Proverbs 2:6 teaches, where we read that Jehovah gives wisdom; out of his mouth come knowledge and discernment.

ILLUSTRATION

Rays of light emerge from the clouds and illuminate Job as Jehovah speaks to him. Elihu and the three false friends are nearby, watching.

Like Job, we too benefit from accepting that there are things we don't know. (See paragraph 2.)

3. What will we analyze in this article?

This article invites us to reflect on a topic we all face at some point: How do we react when we don't understand something?

Not knowing certain things can be frustrating, especially when it comes to important issues such as justice, suffering, or the future. However, the article shows us that recognizing that we don't know everything can have a very positive effect on our spirituality.

Throughout this article, we'll see how accepting our limitations not only makes us more modest but also allows us to live with greater peace. We are not alone. Jehovah gives us what we need at the right time.

WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE END WILL COME

4. According to Matthew 24:36, what don't we know?

According to Matthew 24:36, "We do not know the day or the hour when this system of things will end." Jesus himself made it clear while on Earth that he did not know that exact moment.

This shows that such knowledge belongs only to Jehovah, who, as Acts 1:6, 7 says, uses his own authority to determine when certain important events will occur.

This truth also protects us from speculation and those who try to set dates, something Jesus clearly advised against. Trusting in Jehovah's timing reflects humility and faith. He does not act late or early, but at the perfect moment.

5. How can not knowing exactly when the end will come affect us?

Not knowing exactly when the end will come can affect our emotions and our faith. It's natural for some to feel impatient or even discouraged as time goes by, especially if they have been serving Jehovah for many years.

Furthermore, ridicule from others, even family members, can make us feel foolish for continuing to wait. As 2 Peter 3:3, 4 says, “Some laugh and say, ‘Where is this promised presence of Him?’”

But the fact that Jehovah hasn't told us the exact date is a sign of wisdom. It helps us develop an unwavering faith, based on principles rather than momentary expectations.

6. Why is it good that we don't know the date of the end?

It's a good thing we don't know the exact date of the end, because it allows us to demonstrate that we serve Jehovah out of love and trust, not out of convenience or a countdown.

If we knew the exact day, we might be tempted to slack off in our service and only "get our act together" at the end. On the other hand, by not knowing, we show with our actions that we desire to serve Him always, not just until a certain day, as if our faith were to expire.

If we think about what Jehovah will accomplish with the end of this system, we are motivated to draw closer to Him and strive to please Him every day. Thus, our faith becomes deeper, more sincere, and more lasting.

7. What do we know?

Although we don't know the exact date of the end, Jehovah has revealed many important aspects to us that we can know and that strengthen our faith.

Since 1914, as a result of the fulfillment of prophecies such as Daniel 4 and Matthew 24, we understand that we are living in the “last days.” Furthermore, Zephaniah 1:14 leaves no room for doubt: Jehovah’s great day is near.

This isn't a vague or symbolic idea, but a clear warning from Jehovah to help us be prepared. Not only that, he's also given us a clear task while we wait: to preach the good news of the Kingdom, as Matthew 24:14 says.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT JEHOVAH CAN DO TO HELP US

8. What does the expression “the activity of the true God” refer to? (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

The expression "the activity of the true God" refers to all the things Jehovah does or allows to happen to accomplish his will. That is, it includes both his direct actions and what he allows in his sovereignty.

Even if we would like to understand the reasons for certain situations in our lives, we often don't have all the answers. For example, we don't always know why Jehovah allows us to go through trials or why he acts in certain ways at specific times. The paragraph mentions that this is as unattainable for us as understanding the growth of a baby in the womb.

9. What challenges might we face by not knowing what Jehovah will do to help us?

The challenges that arise when we don't know how Jehovah will help us are real and understandable. As the paragraph shows, this uncertainty can lead to doubt when making important decisions in our spiritual lives.

For example, is it worth leaving your job to do more service? Is it wise to move to a region with greater need if there are no guarantees? Added to this are feelings of discouragement when we don't see visible results.

Therefore, we should not measure divine favor by visible results, but by the peace of mind, spiritual joy, and inner peace we feel when doing the right thing.

10. Since we do not know how Jehovah will act, what qualities can we develop?

Even if we don't know how Jehovah will act, this can be a blessing, because it helps us cultivate very important qualities, such as humility and modesty. These traits help us recognize that Jehovah's thoughts and ways are far greater than our own, as Isaiah 55:8, 9 says.

Instead of relying solely on our own judgment, we learn to depend completely on Jehovah. It also teaches us to trust that He is in control. If things are going well, we give Jehovah all the honor. But if something doesn't go as we expected, we are reassured to know that Jehovah sees everything, knows what is best, and continues to guide us.

11. What important things do we know?

Remembering the things we do know about Jehovah gives us a solid foundation for trusting Him, even when there are unanswered questions. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that Jehovah rewards those who seek Him in faith, which means He not only observes what we do, but also appreciates and values ​​it greatly.

This truth is fundamental, especially when we feel our efforts aren't producing the results we hoped for or when no one else notices. But knowing that Jehovah knows us individually and doesn't forget our faithful works helps us stay motivated.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW

12. According to James 4:13, 14, What do we not know?

James 4:13, 14 reminds us that we don't know what will happen tomorrow. We can make plans, have goals, or have projects, but we have no control over what will happen, or even whether we'll be alive to accomplish them. This reality teaches us a lesson in humility. Our life is as brief and fragile as a mist that appears for a moment and then disappears.

Accepting that we don't know what tomorrow will bring doesn't have to discourage us, but rather motivates us to trust Jehovah more and live the present wisely. It also reminds us of the value of making good use of our time to do God's will today.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

According to James 4:13, 14, we don't know what tomorrow will bring. Our lives are uncertain and can change unexpectedly. This teaches us to be humble and depend on Jehovah every day.

13. Why can it be a challenge not knowing what will happen tomorrow?

Not knowing what will happen tomorrow confronts us with our human limitations. Naturally, we want to feel certain about what awaits us, and when that isn't possible, we can become anxious or lose our emotional balance.

When we have placed so much hope in something that ultimately fails to materialize, we feel profound disappointment. Proverbs 13:12 expresses this well when it says: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

However, these challenges can also strengthen us if we learn to view them from a spiritual perspective. They remind us that our real hope lies not in this system, but in trusting in Jehovah's promises.

14. What does true happiness depend on? (See also the images.)

True happiness doesn't depend on knowing everything about our future, but on living in harmony with Jehovah's will. Although we would like Him to spare us all trouble or give us exact details about what lies ahead, the Bible shows that this isn't always the case.

What Jehovah does expect is for us to trust in Him, even in the midst of difficulties. So, rather than worrying about what we don't know about tomorrow, we should live each day with Jehovah in mind in our decisions.

As James 4:15 says, we should say, “If the Lord wills, we will do this or that.” This attitude reflects our humility, trust, and dependence on our heavenly Father.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A brother and his son packing a Bible and other items into their emergency backpack. 2. In an emergency, the brother, his wife, and their son take shelter from the rain under a tarp and use the items in the backpack.

What truly protects us is seeking Jehovah's guidance and obeying him. (See paragraphs 14 and 15.) b

15. What do we know about the future?

Although we don't know the details of tomorrow, what we do know fills us with hope and security. Jehovah has promised us eternal life. This promise is not symbolic or uncertain, for Titus 1:2 states that God cannot lie. Furthermore, Jehovah has absolute control over the future. Isaiah 46:10 declares that He foretells the end from the beginning.

Throughout history, every prophetic word of Jehovah has been fulfilled, and that guarantees us that his promise of a world without pain, suffering, or death will come true. So, instead of fearing what we don't know, we can hold fast with faith to what we do know for sure: Jehovah loves us, strengthens us, and will fulfill all his promises.

WE CAN'T FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW WELL JEHOVAH KNOWS US

16. Though it may seem astonishing to us, what does Jehovah know about us? (Psalm 139:1-6)

Jehovah, our Creator, has a deep and detailed knowledge of each of us. As Psalm 139:1-6 shows, he not only observes the external, but also perfectly understands our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. That is, he knows our strengths, weaknesses, fears, hopes, thoughts, and feelings.

This is not only comforting but also empowering. Knowing that Almighty God is concerned about us individually gives us security. This level of divine closeness strengthens our faith and motivates us to remain faithful, knowing that we are not unnoticed by Jehovah, even in the most difficult or silent moments.

17. Why might we find it difficult to accept that Jehovah knows us so well?

We may struggle to accept that Jehovah knows us for different reasons. For example, our upbringing, culture, or past beliefs may have distorted our view of God.

Furthermore, our past mistakes can make us feel unworthy of his love. We might think that Jehovah is disappointed in us or no longer wants a close relationship with us.

Also, some people who are sincerely striving to change their lifestyle to please God may wonder why they have to reject something that comes naturally to them. But in reality, Jehovah understands our deepest emotions, knows what we are facing, and deeply appreciates every small effort we make to obey him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Sometimes we struggle to accept that Jehovah knows us, even despite our upbringing, past beliefs, or feelings of unworthiness due to mistakes. Even faithful people like David felt this way. But Jehovah understands our struggles and treats us with love and patience.

18. Why is it good to accept that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves? (See also the pictures.)

Accepting that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves is essential to enjoying a healthy relationship with Him. We often focus on our mistakes, weaknesses, or things we don't understand about ourselves. We might even judge ourselves harshly for how we feel or the internal struggles we face.

Romans 7:15 shows that even a mature Christian like the apostle Paul struggled with himself. But Jehovah, who created us, perfectly understands our hearts and our motivations, even when we ourselves fail to fully understand them.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. On a dark, rainy day, a brother looks out a window with a dejected expression. 2. In Paradise, the brother walks along a mountain enjoying the beautiful scenery with some friends.

Although there are many things we don't know in this life, we do know that Jehovah has promised us a wonderful future, and that helps us endure troubles. (See paragraphs 18 and 19.)

19. What do we know about Jehovah?

This paragraph reminds us of several undeniable truths about Jehovah that give us comfort and strength. First, we know with certainty that God is love. He not only possesses love, but is essentially so. Everything he does is motivated by that love.

We also know that Jehovah does not want anyone to die, but rather that everyone live forever. That's why he provided the ransom through his Son, Jesus Christ. This sacrifice was the greatest demonstration of his desire to save us and help us achieve spiritual success.

Another great truth is that Jehovah knows us intimately. He understands our circumstances, our motivations, and doesn't judge us as an imperfect human might. Jehovah believes in us and is convinced that we are capable of obeying him.

20. What will help us not to worry unnecessarily?

What will help us avoid unnecessary worry is to accept with modesty the limits of our current knowledge. Jehovah hasn't revealed all the details of the future to us, but he has given us everything essential for success and happiness now.

This humble attitude saves us from unnecessary worry. Instead of obsessing over things we don't understand, we focus on what we do know: that Jehovah is wise, loving, and that his purpose will be fulfilled without fail.

This reflects a mature and firm faith, like that displayed by faithful servants of the past. Job 36:4 reminds us that Jehovah is perfect in knowledge. What sense would there be in trying to understand more than He does or worrying about things that He, out of love, has chosen not to reveal to us yet?

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why is it good not knowing when the end will come?

Because this helps us stay spiritually awake and active all the time in our service to Jehovah, not just when we think we're almost there.

Why don't we need to know what will happen tomorrow to be happy?

Because true happiness comes from trusting Jehovah, following his guidance, and obeying him, not from knowing every detail of the future.

Why is it good to accept that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves?

Because that gives us confidence, knowing that He sees the good in us, even when we don't, and loves us deeply.