Watchtower Study, How to Make Good Decisions About Further Study. Week of July 20-26, 2026, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, How to Make Good Decisions About Further Study. July 20-26, 2026, Comments and Responses.

“The prudent man considers all his steps” (PROV. 14:15).

1, 2. a) What decisions do young people have to make?

Young people have to make decisions about how to earn a living. While serving Jehovah full-time is undoubtedly the best thing they can do, they also need to decide how to support themselves and what kind of work they would like to do.

Some must decide whether to continue their studies after completing compulsory education and what kind of studies to choose. These decisions should be made with their main goal in mind: serving Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The best thing young people can do with their lives is to serve Jehovah full-time. However, they will also need to earn a living.

1, 2. b) What does the expression additional studies mean? (See the “Main Idea”).

The term "further education" refers to training that a person chooses to undertake after completing compulsory education with the aim of acquiring knowledge or skills that will help them find employment. This may include university studies, technical courses, vocational training, or other training programs.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It refers to any type of education or academic training, apart from the formal education that is generally required. This includes studies at universities, technical and technological institutes, trade schools, vocational training centers, and other similar institutions.

In this article, we will examine several biblical principles that will help us make a good decision, especially for young people, who are the ones who must decide whether to pursue further studies. Parents will also find helpful advice for guiding their children. As Ephesians 6:1 says, their guidance and support are very important.

“SHOULD I CONTINUE STUDYING?”

3. Why might some Christians consider pursuing further education?

Some Christians may consider pursuing further education because, in certain places, this can help them obtain employment with better conditions, such as a higher salary or more favorable hours. This could allow them to have more time for preaching or other activities in Jehovah's service. However, they should carefully consider the sacrifices and challenges that this may entail.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In some countries, receiving vocational training can help young people find better jobs. This will allow them to earn a living while remaining in full-time service.

This also depends on the country, as each place is different. What they should keep in mind is that if they decide to pursue any additional studies or courses, these shouldn't demand too much of their time and should allow them to continue dedicating time to spiritual activities.

As with all decisions, this one also has its pros and cons. Therefore, we must analyze it carefully and weigh all the factors. The first question we should ask ourselves is whether the decision we make will facilitate our service to Jehovah. For this reason, it is important to think it through very carefully before deciding.

4. Who has the responsibility to decide whether a Christian will pursue further studies? (See also the note.)

Each adult Christian has the responsibility to decide for himself whether to pursue further studies, as Galatians 6:5 indicates: “Each one will carry his own load of responsibility.”

In the case of minors, parents are responsible for making decisions related to their education. Furthermore, they must guide their children so that, as adults, they can make sound decisions based on biblical principles.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Galatians 6:5 says that “each one will carry his own load of responsibility.” The study note explains that this passage does not refer to a load in the sense of a physical weight, but rather to the responsibility that Jehovah expects each Christian to personally bear. Therefore, in the case of further study, each adult Christian must make his own decision.

At Proverbs 22:6 we see that parents also play a vital role in their children's lives. If from a young age they teach their children to consider what Jehovah thinks about any decision they have to make, or whether that decision will make him happy, they will be helping them develop a good habit. In this way, they will train their conscience so that, as adults, they can make decisions that please Jehovah.

As the note points out, we should avoid making comments intended to judge our brothers. This applies even to elders, because there is only one Judge and Lawgiver: Jehovah, as James 4:12 indicates. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each brother to meditate on Bible principles and analyze them before making a decision.

Not long ago, pursuing further studies was discouraged, mainly because of the potential dangers. Those dangers still exist today. Therefore, it is important that the decision be left to each individual Christian, who must take responsibility for analyzing biblical principles and the risks involved before deciding.

The situation hasn't changed; it remains the same. Further studies still carry their risks. The difference is that now we are made aware that the responsibility lies with us, not the organization.

The note explains that the word "burden" was also used in the military to refer to a soldier's backpack or equipment. Furthermore, a morning worship service addressed this same point. The idea is that each soldier had to carry their own equipment, which was already quite heavy. If they also had to carry another soldier's equipment, it would be impossible. Similarly, each Christian must take responsibility for their own decisions.

Based on James 4:12, which says that Jehovah is the Judge, no Christian, not even the elders, should judge the personal decision made by a brother.

5. When should a Christian decide whether to pursue further studies, and why? (See also the image.)

Young people often have to decide whether to pursue further studies while they are still in compulsory education. Therefore, it is wise for them to talk to their parents well in advance, to allow time to research the available options and consider what the best course of action would be.

However, it is not essential to make that decision before completing compulsory education. Some young people prefer to finish their studies, look for work, and begin pioneering while they consider whether they need to continue studying. Each person can decide at another time according to their circumstances, always acting prudently and taking Bible principles into account.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A moment might be while you are completing your compulsory studies, but you don't need to think about it at that moment.

A young person might say, “If at 17 I can’t decide who I’m going to marry because I don’t feel ready, why do I have to decide now what to study and what profession I’m going to pursue for the rest of my life? I don’t feel ready for that either.” And the truth is, they’re right. How wise is the advice in the paragraph about waiting a while, as well as what Proverbs 21:5 says: make plans, be hardworking, and don’t rush into things.

In some countries, compulsory education ends at age 15, and at that age, many young people still don't know what they want to do. Furthermore, when they are in school or move on to high school, they sometimes feel a lot of pressure to make a decision. Therefore, it's important to be patient and calmly analyze the options before deciding.

The picture shows a young woman with her parents discussing their options for further education. On the table are several brochures from different educational institutions, but they also have a Bible and are watching a broadcast program. So it's not just about analyzing the available options, but also about considering what Jehovah and the organization say.

The image shows us that time is needed, along with discussing the issue and analyzing the options, before making a good decision. Parents, of course, also need to offer their help and guidance, but ultimately the responsibility for the decision will also fall on the child.

ILLUSTRATION

A teenage girl and her parents are discussing different options for further education. They are looking at various brochures from educational institutions, a video from JW Broadcasting, and the Bible.

Christian parents help their daughter make good decisions about further studies. (See paragraph 5.)

6. What will help you make a good decision about further studies?

To make a good decision about further studies, it is important to discuss the matter with Jehovah and ask for wisdom, as James 1:5 indicates. In addition, we should follow two steps: first, sincerely ask ourselves why we want to continue studying and examine our motivations; second, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the option we are considering, following the principle of Proverbs 14:15.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It will help to talk to Jehovah about it and also to ask ourselves why we want to continue studying. When we talk to Jehovah, he may give us the wisdom to decide what to do and what not to do, and to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing further studies.

Regarding the question of why we want to continue studying, Psalm 26:2 says: “Purify my innermost thoughts and my heart.” If we include Jehovah in the equation, the answer to this question will surely be more thoughtful and sincere. Furthermore, it will help us to discover our motivations and whether they are the right ones.

Proverbs 14:15 reminds us of the importance of being wise and prudent, and of analyzing all that is involved in the decisions we have to make.

“WHY DO I WANT TO CONTINUE STUDYING?”

7. What is the fundamental question to ask, and why?

It's crucial to ask ourselves, "Why do I want this type of education?" This is important because we need to examine our motivations. Wanting to prepare ourselves for a job we enjoy or that allows us to support ourselves isn't wrong, but we must avoid letting the desire for more money, prestige, or financial security become the most important thing in our lives.

The Bible warns about the dangers of materialism, since seeking wealth or recognition can leave us feeling empty and, worse, distance us from Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is essential that we analyze our motivation. The paragraph says that we should ask ourselves why we want this type of education. If our ultimate motivation is to have a job we like or that allows us to earn a lot of money, we need to analyze the dangers, because the Bible already warns us about the dangers of materialism and tells us that we could end up drifting away from Jehovah.

According to Psalm 26:2, we might think our motivation is perfectly fine, like finding a job with good hours. But if we're honest, there may be signs of materialism within us. And, as we know, materialism is no safe haven, as 1 John 2:17 says. Material things can easily disappear and don't provide a solid foundation.

Seeking a good job is not wrong. Even 1 Timothy 5:8 encourages us to work to provide for our family. The problem arises when that becomes our sole motivation and we leave Jehovah out of the equation. That can lead us to become enslaved to materialism, which would reflect a worldly desire and not something Jehovah would bless.

The paragraph concludes by saying: “If you seek to become rich, you will become someone important. And what might happen?” Even if you become someone important, you may feel empty and end up drifting away from Jehovah. Furthermore, 1 John 2:17 gives us a warning and an important principle: the one who does God’s will lives forever. We could add that he will not only live forever, but he will also be happy.

Paul offers some reflections because, although this can happen at any stage of life, it's easier for desires to present themselves as needs when we are young. Thus, the apostle Paul warns that we must be careful with these desires, which are foolish and harmful. Therefore, the recommendation is found in verse 8: we should be content with what we have. If our lives are centered on being satisfied with what we possess, we will avoid or be able to control these desires.

8, 9. a) How should Christians view education? (Matthew 6:33).

A Christian should view education as a means to support himself and live a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly. Nothing should be more important to us than serving Jehovah; therefore, decisions about our studies must be in harmony with the primary goal of serving him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We should view education as something that enables us to earn a living, since that is something we all need to do. But we should also see it as a tool that helps us put Jehovah's service first in our lives, as shown at Matthew 6:33.

The decision about education, especially for young people, is one that can affect them for their entire lives. That is why it is so important for them to consult with their parents and, above all, to ask Jehovah for help, because he always shows us the right path.

Matthew 22:37 shows us what we must do: love Jehovah with all our heart. So, if both children and parents keep this principle in mind and prayerfully make the decision, they are sure to succeed.

At Philippians 3:8 we see how Paul realized, after so many experiences, that serving Jehovah and the truth about him are priceless. So, if we keep that in mind when choosing our studies or our career path, it will be easier for us to see what is more important: serving Jehovah or, on the contrary, seeking wealth or wanting to acquire more and more things.

8, 9. b) What do you learn from what Josefina, Morine and Iris say?

We learn that circumstances may be different, but the principle is the same: Jehovah must take first place in our lives.

Josefina chose an education that enabled her to have a job and serve Jehovah more fully. Morine studied a trade with the goal of preparing herself to serve where the need was greatest. Iris understood that, although education can bring advantages, true happiness and satisfaction do not depend on a degree, but on keeping Jehovah at the center of our lives.

These examples teach us that when our educational decisions support our spiritual goals, we can experience true happiness and satisfaction.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the case of Josefina, who lives in Chile, we see that she made a good decision to study, because she got a job that allowed her to serve Jehovah. She did all this while ensuring that her spiritual goals always came first, not her studies.

In Morine's case, she decided to study to be a hairdresser, but her goal was to serve in a place of need. So, when she finished her studies, she started working as a hairdresser to save some money and move to a place of need. Besides, this is a trade that is needed in many places.

The last case mentions Iris, who says she studied to be a dentist. That took a little more time, but she explains that the key to everything is putting Jehovah at the center of our lives, and that in that way, we will succeed. Furthermore, just like hairdressing, the dental profession allows one to work in many parts of the world.

These experiences show that if we put Jehovah and his Kingdom first in our lives, we will have happiness and contentment, because that is what he promises us. If we seek the Kingdom first, he assures us that we will lack nothing and, moreover, we will be able to enjoy a clean, peaceful, and happy conscience.

We can see that Josefina used the expression "I made sure" and that Morine used the word "I looked for." In other words, it was intentional; they didn't leave it to chance.

“WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?”

10. How does Deuteronomy 32:29 help you make a decision about further study?

Deuteronomy 32:29 helps us think ahead about the consequences of our decisions. Applied to further study, it encourages us to carefully analyze different options, weigh their advantages and disadvantages, and ask ourselves if the benefits truly outweigh the potential drawbacks.

We can also consider other alternatives, such as online courses, and ask ourselves if we could earn a living without further study. The important thing is to choose an option that allows us to maintain a good relationship with Jehovah and achieve our spiritual goals.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It helps us think about the future and analyze how our studies might affect our job prospects, how they might influence our relationship with Jehovah, and whether and how we might serve him more fully, among other things. Reflecting on these aspects will help us consider the consequences of our decision.

Proverbs 18:17 says that the first to present their case seems to be right until the other party comes and questions them. Similarly, we might have a long-held preconceived idea about what we want to do. However, if we don't talk to our parents and investigate, as this article encourages us to do, we might overlook other options that could be more convenient and beneficial in many ways.

1 Corinthians 10:23 says that “everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial or advantageous, as the old version stated. Every Christian is free to decide what to study, when to study it, and how much time to dedicate to it. However, that decision will not always be beneficial or upbuilding if it does not maintain a balanced viewpoint and ensure that it enables one to serve Jehovah.

It's important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of choosing what to study. For example, in some countries, technical training or online courses can often be more advantageous, as some companies prefer to hire staff with shorter, more specialized qualifications. Therefore, choosing technical training or a short course might be the better option.

11. Why should you think about how many hours a week you will have to dedicate to your studies? (See also the images).

We need to think about how many hours a week we will have to dedicate to our studies because it is important to make sure that we will have enough time and energy for our spiritual activities and our responsibilities at home.

A very demanding schedule could leave us exhausted and affect our personal study, preparation for meetings, or preaching work. Therefore, it is wise to consider how much time classes, practice, and assignments will require and choose an option that allows us to maintain a good balance between our studies, our responsibilities, and our service to Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We need to think about how many hours a week we will dedicate to our studies, because if we are not careful, we could end up in the opposite situation to the brother in the picture. He manages his time well and, in that way, is able to balance his studies, his work, and his responsibilities in the congregation. If we do the opposite and dedicate more hours to other activities, we could end up neglecting the affairs of the congregation.

Philippians 1:10 helps us to focus on what truly matters. We have only one life, and we must make sure that our service to God is paramount. We must also examine whether these things will cause us to stumble or prevent us from giving our best to Jehovah, whether due to lack of time or mental exhaustion.

It's so important that when we sit down and make a schedule, we're truly realistic. Perhaps on paper everything seems to fit together, but reality can be different. As our brother from India mentioned, when we put the schedule into practice, we realize that it might be difficult to go out and preach every time we've planned because we're tired, attend meetings, or even keep our minds fresh enough to be attentive. That's why it's important to be realistic and carefully weigh all the factors.

The image shows this young man thinking about his schedule, his life, and how he will organize everything he has to do, in addition to his extra studies. However, he isn't just considering his own perspective; he's using the Bible for meditation and research.

Two ideas emerge from the main image. On the one hand, it considers spiritual needs, but also secular needs, which can provide a foundation for addressing spiritual matters. In this way, we can also reap benefits in the workplace.

ILLUSTRATION

Image series: A brother tries to imagine if he can balance further studies with his other responsibilities. 1. He passes the microphone during meetings. 2. He preaches from house to house. 3. He works in a coffee shop. 4. He attends classes.

If you are thinking of continuing your studies, make sure you will have time to attend to all your important responsibilities. (See paragraph 11.)

12. What questions will help you make the best use of your time? (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

To make the best use of my time, it is good to ask myself: How many months or years will it take me to complete my studies? Am I using that time wisely? Will these studies allow me to give my best to Jehovah during my youth, perhaps by serving full-time? Are there shorter options that will prepare me for the job I want?

These questions prompt us to consider whether there are shorter alternatives to achieving our goal. For example, some institutions offer opportunities to acquire job skills in less time and at a lower cost than a university. In this way, we can achieve our career goals without losing sight of our spiritual aspirations.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The best way to use our time is to choose an education that aligns with our desire to serve Jehovah. Flexible or less demanding programs help young people stay focused on their spiritual goals while acquiring useful skills.

The principle found in Ephesians 5:16 helps us make the best use of our time. Therefore, young people should ask themselves how much time they will dedicate to their studies.

The excellent Bible principle at Ephesians 5:16 helps us lay a good foundation for using our time wisely. Furthermore, by including the questions that the paragraph encourages us to ask ourselves, we see that all these tools help us make a good decision.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 reminds us of the importance of taking advantage of our youth to make good decisions. Many people, after some time, may say: “I wish I had known Jehovah sooner, as I do now, and hadn’t made that good decision sooner.” Time passes; therefore, we are very grateful that young people have these tools to help them make good decisions.

The paragraph illustrates the example of Mario from Chile and the decision he made. He put into practice what Ephesians 5:16 says, making good use of his time by completing a two-year technical program while continuing to pioneer. This demonstrates the practical wisdom of his decision, something young people can also apply: choosing technical training that will enable them to serve Jehovah full-time.

Ephesians 5:17 says: “Stop being unwise and understand what the will of Jehovah is.” So, honestly, what does Jehovah expect of a young person? Does he expect them to dedicate the best years of their life, when they have the most strength and energy, solely to studying and to devote most of their time and effort to their personal goals? Or does he expect that, during this important stage of their life, their service to Jehovah should be the center and most important thing? We know what Jehovah’s will is.

13. What are some dangers of moving to another place to study?

Moving away to study can jeopardize our spirituality, especially if it means living far from family or with people who don't share our beliefs. In such circumstances, we are more easily exposed to bad company, temptations, and situations that can weaken our relationship with Jehovah. It's also wise to consider alternatives, such as online learning, before making a decision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The danger mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 is that bad company can corrupt our good character. Living away from family, perhaps surrounded by people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses, can jeopardize our spirituality. That is what happened to Matias. He says that he faced temptations every day because he was at a boarding school. For this reason, he does not recommend that anyone study far from their family if it means living apart from them.

This sister from Russia also mentions that she decided to stay at home with her parents. She says that this actually saved her from many temptations and the possibility of having to go to a university campus or a student residence. So, there is also the option of studying online.

This article mentions several times the possibility of studying online. Although it requires discipline, this option has an important advantage: it avoids close contact with people who will not help us serve Jehovah, but rather could lead us astray from that goal.

The example of Matias mentioned in the paragraph is very interesting because he says he took a one-year course that didn't cost him much money. At first glance, it might have seemed like a good option: something short and inexpensive. But having to live in a student residence exposed him to bad influences, and that's why he regretted it.

Matías' example reminds us how important it is to analyze all the factors together, not in isolation, but rather, when reflecting on a decision, we must weigh them all.

14. How can Luke 14:28 help you make a good decision?

Luke 14:28 teaches us to calculate the cost before making a decision. Applied to further studies, it encourages us to analyze how much the studies will cost and whether we can truly afford them without creating financial hardship for ourselves or our families.

It also helps us to take into account other expenses, such as materials, transportation or possible loans, and to consider if there are cheaper options.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It helps us think about the cost, both now and in the future: whether we or our family will be able to afford what we're going to study, or if there's a more economical option. And this depends on where you live.

What do we mean by costs? Sometimes we don't realize that this decision involves other people, like our parents, who sometimes have to cover certain expenses. Furthermore, it can also affect our own future.

Perhaps in some places parents start saving for their children's future education from a young age, while in others they have to take out personal loans, which means starting with debt. Therefore, we must consider not only the present implications but also the future ones.

Proverbs 22:7 reminds us that “the borrower is slave to the lender.” And if we had intended to study something that would allow us to devote more time to Jehovah, this loan or debt could prevent us from doing so.

15. Why is it good to consider the job market before deciding what to study?

It's wise to consider the job market before deciding what to study because not all training guarantees employment opportunities. Some programs teach little practical knowledge, while others prepare students for jobs with very little demand.

Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate whether the training we want to receive will actually help us find a job where we live or where we plan to live. This will increase our chances of getting a job that allows us to support ourselves and continue serving Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because we must keep in mind that the main goal of studying is to prepare ourselves for work. We might like certain things that may not have much of a future or that aren't in high demand in the job market of the country where we live. So, it could happen that those extra years of study are practically useless. Therefore, it's necessary to carefully analyze the options and make a sensible decision.

Brother Sublime, mentioned in the paragraph, took a course related to air conditioner repair. However, it turned out that in his country, people usually repair their own units. In other places, he probably would have had better job opportunities. That's why it's important to analyze where we study, what we study, and what job opportunities exist depending on where we live.

16. Why is it important to think about the type of job you can find with what you want to study?

It's important to think about the type of work we can find because it's not enough to just get a job; it's also important that it's compatible with our spiritual goals.

Therefore, it is good to ask ourselves if it is a job we would enjoy, what the work environment will be like, whether the schedule will allow us to attend meetings and participate in the ministry, and whether the salary will be sufficient to cover our needs. This will help us choose training that will allow us to support ourselves while still putting the Kingdom first.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because the studies a person chooses today can influence the type of job they can get tomorrow. Therefore, it's wise to consider whether that job will allow them to support themselves, whether they will enjoy doing it, and whether it aligns with their goals and priorities in life.

It's important to remember that the goal isn't just to get a job, but to get a job that allows us to serve Jehovah better. Therefore, if the work environment or the demands of maintaining that job take away time or energy from serving Jehovah, we should also consider whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

The paragraph raises a question: will we need ongoing training to keep our jobs? For example, fields like IT can be very interesting and in high demand, but professionals in these areas require continuous training, especially now with all the technological changes. Therefore, this is perhaps an aspect we should analyze: to what extent will we need to take additional courses to maintain our employment?

Ecclesiastes 12:13 speaks about the importance of fearing the true God and obeying His commandments. Therefore, in this aspect of our lives, such as deciding what to study or not to study in order to work, we must be careful and analyze our decisions well.

17. a) Where can you find the information you need to make a good decision?

To make a good decision, we can gather information by visiting the educational institution or its website, researching job opportunities in that field, and speaking with people who have studied there or work in that profession. It is also very helpful to seek advice from mature brothers and sisters who happily serve Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We can find the information needed to make a good decision, for example, by visiting the educational center, consulting its website for more details, or reviewing job offers related to what young people want to study.

As Proverbs 13:10 says, wisdom accompanies those who ask for advice. So, if we are considering studying something and we know a brother in the congregation or someone who works in that field, it would be good to ask him about the positive and negative aspects of that work.

17. b) What Bible principles will help you make a decision? (See the box “Helpful Bible Principles”).

The biblical principles of Proverbs 13:10 and Proverbs 15:22 remind us of the value and wisdom behind listening to good advice and consulting with experienced people before making an important decision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The first point in the box “Helpful Bible Principles” mentions two texts: Matthew 6:33, which encourages us to put the Kingdom first, and 1 Timothy 6:8, which says that if we have food and clothing, we should be content with that. Therefore, we should ask ourselves: Why do I want to continue studying? So it is important to analyze what our priorities are.

When you're going to study, that doesn't automatically mean you should neglect other activities. That's why Philippians 1:10 encourages us to make sure what the most important things are, and we should analyze how many hours they will require of us.

Ephesians 5:16 urges us to make the most of our time. This will help us answer the question: How many years will it take me to finish my studies?

If pursuing these studies requires us to move to a university campus, leaving our family and home, it's clear that friendships can influence us. Therefore, we must keep in mind the biblical principle that "bad company corrupts good character." Undoubtedly, it would be a significant challenge.

Luke 14:28 speaks of sitting down and calculating the costs involved in building something. In the case of studies, this could mean that the family or oneself might have to go into debt to cover the costs, which could limit other activities or responsibilities.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 speaks of fearing the true God and obeying His commandments. So, the question is: would my studies help me find a job that would allow me to support myself and achieve my spiritual goals?

18. What should we remember?

We must remember that while higher education may help us achieve some financial stability, true happiness depends on having a close friendship with Jehovah. We must also remember that Jehovah cares for all his servants, regardless of their level of education.

Further studies have advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to analyze the options and pray to Jehovah before making a decision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We must remember that, although continuing our studies may help us achieve some economic stability, the only way to be happy is to have a good friendship with Jehovah.

If we are dedicated to Jehovah, it is precisely for that reason: to dedicate our lives to him, not to a personal career. And the only way to do that is by being friends with Jehovah and striving to maintain that friendship, which will bring us joy and happiness forever.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What is the relationship between Galatians 6:5 and decisions about further studies?

Galatians 6:5 reminds us that “each one will carry his own load.” This means that every adult Christian must take responsibility for deciding for himself whether to pursue further education and accept the consequences of that decision.

In the case of minors, it is the parents who have the responsibility to make decisions about their education and guide them so that, when they are adults, they can make good decisions based on biblical principles.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The text in Galatians mentions that each person will bear their own burden of responsibility. Therefore, it is up to each adult Christian to make their own decisions. In the case of minors, it is the parents who must guide them so that they can make good decisions on this matter.

How should Christians view additional studies?

Christians should view further studies as a means to support themselves and be able to lead a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly, not as the main goal of life.

Education can be useful in preparing for and obtaining a job, but it should never take the place that belongs to Jehovah. Therefore, decisions about our studies should be in harmony with our spiritual goals and help us to keep Jehovah first.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Further studies should be viewed as a means to maintain a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly.

What factors should a Christian consider when deciding whether to continue studying?

A Christian should analyze several factors before deciding whether to continue studying:

The schedule:You should consider how many hours classes, practice, and homework will require, and whether you will have enough time and energy for your spiritual activities, meetings, preaching, and responsibilities at home.

The duration:You should evaluate how long it will take to complete your studies and whether that time will be well spent. You might also consider shorter options that would allow you to learn a useful skill without neglecting your spiritual goals.

The place:You should consider whether you will have to move and if that change could jeopardize your spirituality by distancing yourself from your family or being surrounded by people who don't share your beliefs. You might explore alternatives, such as studying closer to home or online.

The cost:You should calculate the total cost of your studies, including additional expenses, and determine if you can afford them without creating unnecessary financial burdens for yourself or your family. You should also consider whether there are more affordable options available.

The labor market:You should investigate whether the studies you want to pursue will actually prepare you for a job in demand and whether they will enable you to get a job that will help you support yourself while you continue to put Jehovah first.

By prayerfully analyzing these factors and applying Bible principles, a Christian can make a wise and balanced decision that protects his friendship with Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let us remember the Bible principles that Jehovah gives us. These principles help us to answer questions such as: Why do I want to continue studying? How many years will it take me to finish my studies? Or how much will it cost to study? All of this will help us to make wise decisions.

An interesting detail regarding the financial cost of these studies is that we cannot request certain privileges within the organization if we are in debt. Therefore, we must ensure that it is an expense we can afford without becoming a burden on ourselves or others. We must also consider whether debt will force us to wait many years to request certain privileges, such as serving at Bethel.