The Study Watchtower, “Article 31,” Week of October 6-12, 2025, Have You Learned “The Secret” to Being Happy?, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 31,” October 6-12, 2025, Have You Learned “The Secret” to Being Happy?, Answers.

“I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances” (PHILIPP. 4:11).

1. What does it mean to be content with what you have, but what doesn't it mean?

Being content with what we have means appreciating what Jehovah has already given us, and feeling peace and gratitude instead of being bitter about what we lack. As Philippians 4:11 says, Paul learned to be content in any circumstance.

Now, that doesn't mean we should sit back and not have spiritual goals. Rather, we can strive to give Jehovah our best, as Romans 12:1 says, and even desire responsibility, as 1 Timothy 3:1 mentions.

But even if we haven't been given a certain assignment yet, we can still be happy and at peace, because we know that Jehovah values ​​us for what we are doing right now.

2. Why is it so dangerous to be unhappy with the things we have?

It's very dangerous to be discontented with what we have, because it can lead us to make bad decisions that affect our relationship with Jehovah. For example, if we begin to desire material things we don't need, we could work overtime or even be tempted to steal, as Proverbs 3:9 says, and that dishonors Jehovah's name.

It can also happen that if we don't receive a certain responsibility in the congregation, we feel frustrated and, instead of waiting on Jehovah, we become discouraged and even stop serving him, as Galatians 6:9 warns. So we see that a lack of contentment opens the door to very harmful thoughts that, little by little, can distance us from Jehovah.

3. What reassurance does Philippians 4:11, 12 give us?

Philippians 4:11, 12 gives us great comfort, because it reminds us that contentment doesn't depend on circumstances, but on what we learn with Jehovah's help. Paul was in prison when he wrote those words, yet he said he had learned to be content in any situation.

This makes us think that if he was able to maintain joy in such a difficult place, we too can achieve it with Jehovah's help. That doesn't mean it's easy, but it is possible. And that encourages us, because we know that with prayer, gratitude, and Jehovah's guidance, we can be at peace even when the situation isn't the best.

LET US BE GRATEFUL

4. Why does being thankful help us feel content? (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Gratitude is closely related to contentment. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, Jehovah wants us to always give thanks, and when we do, we stop focusing on what we lack and begin to appreciate what we already have. If we are grateful for the basic things in life, such as food, clothing, or health, we won't obsess over what we don't have.

And the same thing happens spiritually. If we appreciate the privilege of serving Jehovah, even in small ways, we will be happy and at peace, instead of comparing ourselves with others or desiring more responsibilities. This gratitude helps us feel the peace of God mentioned in Philippians 4:6-7.

5. What reasons did the Israelites have for gratitude? (See also the image.)

When we think of the Israelites, we see they had many reasons to be thankful. Jehovah had freed them from slavery in Egypt with the ten plagues. He allowed them to leave with riches such as silver, gold, and clothing, according to Exodus 12:35-36.

Furthermore, he parted the Red Sea to save them from Pharaoh's army. During their journey, Jehovah did not abandon them, but fed them with manna every day. However, instead of valuing these blessings, they complained about missing the food of Egypt, as Numbers 11:4-6 tells us.

This shows that their problem wasn't really a lack of food, but a lack of gratitude. If they had acknowledged all that Jehovah had done, they would have been much happier.

ILLUSTRATION

Several Israelites complain to Moses about the manna they are collecting, while others around them continue collecting and watch them.

Why were the Israelites unhappy? (See paragraph 5.)

6. What will help us to be grateful?

Something that helps us be more grateful is to follow the advice given in this paragraph. For example, take a moment each day to think about the good things Jehovah allows us to enjoy, as mentioned in Lamentations 3:22-23. Even writing down a couple of them helps us appreciate them more. It is also important to express gratitude both to people and to Jehovah himself, as Psalm 75:1 says.

Another key point is to surround ourselves with friends who are also grateful, because gratitude is just as contagious as discontent, as 2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 5 shows. When we do all this, our hearts focus on the positive, and we are less likely to become bitter about what we don't have.

7. What helped Aci feel happier?

For Sister Aci, what helped her feel happier was changing her way of thinking. She said that during the pandemic, she began comparing herself to other siblings, and that made her feel discontented.

But he applied Galatians 6:4 and, instead of looking at others, focused on his own blessings. He began to reflect on the good things he received every day and on the privilege of being part of Jehovah's organization.

In doing so, his heart was filled with gratitude, and he thanked Jehovah, which restored his happiness. This teaches us that gratitude is a very powerful remedy for discontent.

LET US BE HUMBLE

8. What happened to Baruch?

Something happened to Baruch that could also happen to us. He became discouraged and dissatisfied with his assignment. He had a difficult task: to be Jeremiah's secretary and help him deliver a message of condemnation to the Israelites, something that surely wasn't easy to accomplish.

At that point, he apparently lost sight of the most important thing, which was doing Jehovah's will, and began focusing on what he wanted. Jehovah corrected him through Jeremiah, telling him, as we read in Jeremiah 45:3-5, to stop seeking great things for himself. Baruch accepted this correction, and it allowed him to maintain Jehovah's approval, something far more valuable than any personal ambition.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Baruch, as Jeremiah's secretary, began to dislike his assignment, and this motivated him to focus on the things he wanted instead of doing Jehovah's will. Jehovah corrected him, and Baruch accepted the correction, thus maintaining Jehovah's approval.

9. What does 1 Corinthians 4:6, 7 teach us? (See also the images.)

What 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 teaches us is that we should not feel entitled to certain assignments or privileges, because in reality everything we have comes from Jehovah.

Sometimes one might think, "I've worked hard, I have experience or talents, so I deserve more." But Paul reminds us that none of these things come from our own hands; rather, they are gifts Jehovah gives us because of his deserved kindness. This includes both skills and responsibilities in the congregation.

Reflecting on this helps us remain humble and grateful, rather than discontented if we don't get what we want. As Romans 12:3 says, "We should have a balanced view of ourselves and appreciate what Jehovah already enables us to do."

ILLUSTRATION

Images of brothers who have been given various responsibilities. 1. A brother inspects some ducts in an organization building. 2. A sister is interviewed by a brother at a circuit assembly in sign language. 3. A brother gives a talk at a congregation meeting.

Any talent we have is a gift Jehovah has given us out of his undeserved kindness. (See paragraph 9.)

10. What will help us to be humble?

What can help us most to be humble is to meditate on Jesus' example. Despite being the Son of God and having all authority, he did not boast, but washed his disciples' feet, as John 13:3-5 tells us. Anyone in his place would have expected to receive honor, but he showed his willingness to serve.

Also, as Luke 9:58 says, he never sought a life of comfort or luxury, even though he could have had it. His happiness didn't depend on those things, but on doing his Father's will. Thus, he left us a perfect example so that we too may be humble, value what we have, and be content in any circumstance.

11. What has helped Dennis feel happier?

Brother Dennis learned to feel more content by striving to be humble like Jesus. He himself recounts that when he saw others given assignments he desired, he felt a touch of displeasure or even pride. But instead of letting these feelings fester, he sought help in God's Word.

He had several texts on humility marked in JW Library for quick reading, and he also listened to talks on the topic on his phone. This reminded him that everything we do is to give glory to Jehovah, not to ourselves. By thinking this way, he understood that the work belongs to Jehovah and that it is a privilege to be able to contribute our part.

LET US MEDITATE ON OUR HOPE

12. What hope helps us be content with our present circumstances? (Isaiah 65:21-25)

The hope Jehovah gives us for the future is what helps us most to be happy today. As Isaiah 65:21-25 says, in the New World we will have pleasant homes, jobs we enjoy, and good, healthy food.

Furthermore, Jehovah promises that we will never again fear that bad things will happen to us or our children. This makes us believe that, even if life in this system is difficult or frustrating now, what Jehovah has in store is safe and much better.

As Isaiah 32:17-18 says, "We will live in peace and confidence." And Ezekiel 34:25 shows that Jehovah will bring true security. Meditating on that wonderful future gives us the strength to remain calm in our current circumstances.

13. In what situations is it especially important for us to think about our hope?

It's especially important to think about our hope when we face severe trials, as 2 Timothy 3:1 says. We live in the last days and have difficult challenges to bear, whether financial, health, or personal.

But Jehovah gives us strength every day and also assures us that in the new world everything will be different. For example, if we work hard now just to cover the basics, we know it won't always be this way, because Jehovah promises to give us abundance.

Or if we suffer from illness, pain, or depression, we remember that Revelation 21:3, 4 guarantees that they will disappear. And, as 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 says, these difficulties are momentary. That hope frees us from bitterness and helps us live happily.

14. How can we strengthen our hope?

We can strengthen our hope by taking time to imagine what life will be like in the future paradise. This paragraph compares it to glasses that help us see more clearly what Jehovah promises.

For example, if we're currently burdened by debt or financial problems, thinking about a world without poverty and money brings us relief. And if we're disappointed because we don't have the income we'd like, remembering that when we're perfect, those things won't matter helps us put things into perspective.

At first, it may be difficult for us to focus on the future because today's problems weigh heavily on us, but the more we meditate on Jehovah's promises, the more real and stronger our hope will become.

15. What does Christa's example teach you?

Krista's example teaches us much about maintaining hope in the midst of difficult trials. She has a progressive illness that causes her great pain and forces her to rely on a wheelchair, yet she remains focused on what Jehovah promises.

When her doctor gave her a negative prognosis, she thought, “He doesn’t see the future the way I do.” This shocks us, because it shows that her peace doesn’t depend on what men say, but on the sure hope Jehovah gives us.

She endures current difficulties, confident that, in the new world, she will enjoy life to the fullest. Her positive attitude and spirituality motivate us to focus more on hope.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Christa's example is very motivating, because it shows us that, no matter how complicated our life in this system may be, we must keep our eyes and hope focused on Jehovah's promise of a new world, free from disease and trouble.

“THOSE WHO FEAR HIM LACK NOTHING”

16. Why did David say that “nothing is lacking to those who fear” Jehovah?

David could confidently say that those who fear Jehovah lack nothing, because he had experienced his care firsthand. Although he went through very difficult times—losing children, being unjustly accused, betrayed, and even persecuted for years—he never doubted that Jehovah provided him with what he needed to keep going.

As Psalm 145:16 says, Jehovah opens his hand and satisfies what we truly need, not always what we desire. This gave David the assurance that Jehovah would never abandon him. And that same thought helps us today. Even when we face trials, we can rest assured that Jehovah will always provide us with the essentials to remain faithful and content no matter what.

17. Why do you want to learn to be content regardless of your circumstances?

We want to learn to be content regardless of the circumstances, because we know that this is what Jehovah desires for us and what will give us true peace. As Psalm 131:1-2 says, Jehovah invites us to have a humble and quiet heart.

When one learns to trust like this, life becomes more bearable. We now understand that the secret lies in being grateful, cultivating humility, and keeping hope alive.

If we practice this every day, we will be able to say, like Paul in Philippians 4:11, that we have learned to be content. This is a wonderful goal, because it doesn't depend on what happens outside, but on the relationship one has with Jehovah.

HOW DO THESE THINGS HELP US BE HAPPY WITH THE LIFE WE HAVE?

Be grateful.

Gratitude makes us focus on what Jehovah has already given us, rather than obsessing over what we don't have. When we give thanks in our prayers and appreciate what we enjoy, we feel peace and satisfaction.

Be humble.

Humility reminds us that talents and privileges are gifts from Jehovah, not entitlements we deserve. This prevents us from comparing ourselves with others and allows us to be happy with what Jehovah has entrusted to us now.

Meditate on our hope.

Thinking about the future Jehovah promises gives us strength to endure present trials. It helps us see that current difficulties are temporary and that, in the new world, we will have peace and abundance.