Watchtower Study, Week of July 20-26, 2026, How to Make Good Decisions About Further Study. Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, July 20-26, 2026, How to Make Good Decisions About Further Study. Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

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

1, 2. a) What decisions do young people have to make? b) What does the expression "further studies" mean? (See the "Main Idea").

If you are young, you have probably been asked many times: "What do you want to do for a living?" Without a doubt, the best thing you can do with your life is to serve Jehovah full-time. However, you will also need to earn a living (2 Thess. 3:10). You have probably already thought about the kind of work you would like to do.

2 To find work, some young people decide —usually after consulting with their parents— to continue studying after completing their compulsory education. Perhaps you've wondered whether to pursue further education, and if so, which courses. Well, in this article, we'll examine several biblical principles that will help you make a good decision. While this article is primarily aimed at young people, it can be helpful to any Christian considering further education. Parents can also use the advice we'll discuss to guide their children.

“SHOULD I CONTINUE STUDYING?”

3. Why might some Christians consider pursuing further education?

3 In some places, a basic education is enough to get a job that pays enough to support yourself.In other places, further education can help one find a job with better pay or better hours. For a Christian, it may allow more time for preaching or other activities in Jehovah's service. However, further studies involve sacrifices and can present some challenges for Christians.

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

4 The Bible says that “each one will carry his own load of responsibility” (Gal. 6:5; see study note). So, with regard to further study, each adult Christian must make his own decision. In the case of children, parents are responsible for making decisions about their education (Eph. 6:1). Furthermore, they should guide their children so that, when they become adults, they will make good decisions in this matter. (Prov. 22:6).

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

5 When does a Christian have to decide whether or not to pursue further studies? Often, young people have to make this decision while they are still in compulsory education. Of course, it's wise for them to talk about it with their parents well before the time comes to decide. That way, they'll have time to research together and see what options are available. They may even be able to choose subjects in school that prepare them for what they want to study or their future job. But is it essential to make a decision before completing compulsory education? Not necessarily (Prov. 21:5). Some young people have chosen to finish their compulsory education, look for work and start pioneering while they think about whether to continue studying or not. There are even those who consider making this decision later in life.

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?

6. What will help you make a good decision about further studies? Talk about the matter with Jehovah (James 1:5). In addition, follow these two steps. First, ask yourself why you want to continue studying (Psalm 26:2). Second, think about the pros and cons of studying what you have in mind (Prov. 14:15). Let's talk more about these steps.

“WHY DO I WANT TO CONTINUE STUDYING?”

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

7 If you are thinking about continuing your studies, it is essential that you ask yourself: "Why do I want this type of education?" Many people decide to study more so they can find a job they like or one that pays better. Is that wrong? Not necessarily (1 Tim. 5:8). However, the Bible warns us about the dangers of materialism and of seeking security in this system. (Prov. 23:4, 5; 1 Tim. 6:8-10; 1 John 2:17). If you are looking to get rich or become someone important, you may end up feeling empty and, worse still, drifting away from Jehovah.

8, 9. a) How should Christians view education? (Matthew 6:33). b) What do you learn from what Josephine, Morine, and Iris say?

8 Nothing should be more important to us than serving Jehovah (Matt. 22:37, 38; Phil. 3:8). So, how should you view education? As a means to support yourself and be able to lead a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly (read Matthew 6:33).

9 Let us see what has helped some Christians to maintain a proper viewpoint on further studies. Josefina, from Chile, says: “I decided to study so that I could have a job that would allow me to serve Jehovah more. I made sure that the most important thing in my life was not my studies, but my spiritual goals.” A sister named Morine studied for a year to become a hairdresser. Why? She explains: “My goal was to serve where the need was greatest, so I looked for a course that would help me achieve that. When I finished my studies, I started working as a hairdresser and saving up to move. Once I moved, what I had studied helped me find a job.” Iris, who studied longer to become a dentist, says: “Studying longer may have certain advantages, but it will never bring you true happiness and satisfaction. The formula is simple: if Jehovah is the center of your life, happiness and satisfaction are guaranteed.” That's right, when our friendship with Jehovah is the most important thing in our lives, we make decisions that truly make us happy.

“WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?”

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

10 You may already have a particular type of training in mind. Even so, it would be good to also consider other options, either in the same field or in another (compare with Proverbs 18:17). Today there are alternatives that didn't exist before, such as online courses. Consider also whether you could earn a living without continuing your studies. For example, Johanna, from Finland, did not pursue further studies. She says: “After school, I became a pioneer and worked part-time. I have had many jobs, and I have seen that Jehovah always keeps his promise to provide for our needs.” Remember that your decision, whatever it may be, will have its pros and cons. So ask yourself: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" (Read Deuteronomy 32:29; 1 Corinthians 10:23). Let's look at some factors that will help you answer that question.

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

11 The schedule. How many hours a week will you spend attending classes, doing practical exercises, and completing assignments? Will you have enough time for your spiritual activities and responsibilities at home? (Phil. 1:10) Will your studies leave you mentally exhausted, without the energy to do your personal study or prepare for the meetings? This is what happened to Jeroz, from India. He admits: “I found it difficult to go out in the ministry regularly, attend all the meetings, and pay attention. Now I realize that it wasn't worth dedicating so much time and energy to that course.” Of course, there are studies that are not so absorbing: some are part-time and in others you are not assigned so many tasks. For example, Rabeca, from Mozambique, explains that she is very happy with the decision she made: “The course only lasted two hours a day, which allowed me to continue with regular pioneering.”

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).

12 The duration. How many months or years will it take you to complete your studies? Would you be making the best use of your time? (Eph. 5:15-17) Will these studies enable you to give your best to Jehovah in your youth, perhaps by serving full-time? (Read Ecclesiastes 12:1) Are there shorter options for what you want to study? For example, at vocational schools and other similar institutions you might be able to learn job skills in less time and for less money than at universities. Mario, from Chile, explains: “I took a two-year technical course that was cheaper than going to university. Since I only had classes four days a week, I was able to complete the preparatory course while I was studying.”

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

13. Location. You might be able to find a place to study what you want near where you live. But what if you have to move to another city or a university campus? Remember that if you go to live far away from your family, perhaps with relatives or other people who are not Witnesses, you can seriously endanger your spirituality. (Prov. 22:3; 1 Cor. 15:33). Matias, from Mozambique, took a year-long course that didn't cost him much. Even so, he regrets doing it. Why? He admits: “I had to live in a boarding school the whole time, and temptations presented themselves every single day. I wouldn't recommend anyone study something that involves living away from their family.” And one sister from Russia says: “I avoided dangers and temptations by living at home with my parents instead of on a campus or in a student residence.” On the other hand, you might be able to study online.

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

14 The cost. Some courses of study are inexpensive, or the government may cover them. In those cases, pursuing further education is a way to gain knowledge and skills to find a job without spending a lot of money. But in other cases, further studies are expensive. There may also be additional costs. For example, you might have to hire a tutor or take private classes to get accepted to your desired school. There are people who go into debt for years to pay for their education. Adilson, from Mozambique, regrets the decision he made. He says, “My family had to make sacrifices regarding food and other basic needs to pay for my four years of study.” So it's good to ask yourself: "How much does what I want to study cost? Can my family or I afford it? Is there a cheaper option?" (lee Lucas 14:28). And also: “If I take out a loan, how long will it take me to pay it off? When I finish studying, will I be able to get a job that will allow me to support myself and also pay off my debt?”  (Prov. 22:7).

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

15. The job market. Think about what types of jobs are in demand where you live or where you want to live. Will what you'd like to study really help you find a job? There are studies that hardly teach any practical skills, but are very theoretical or focus on intellectual, academic, or philosophical topics. (Col. 2:8). A sister from India says: “What I studied didn’t teach me the job skills that companies demand, so I wasn’t able to find employment in my field.” Other studies do teach practical skills, but they have almost no job offers. That's what happened to a man named Sublime from the Central African Republic, who took a course to repair air conditioning units. He admits, "Where I live, most people repair things themselves, so it's hard for me to find work.".

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

16 Also consider the type of job you will be able to find with those studies. Is this something you would enjoy doing? (Eccl. 3:12, 13) What will the work environment be like? Is it a dangerous, stressful, or highly competitive job? What is the typical salary? Will it be enough to support you? Will you need ongoing training to keep your job? And, most importantly, will you be able to continue putting the Kingdom first in your life? (Eccl. 12:13) Of course, if jobs are scarce, we can't be too picky. But what you decide to study today will influence the jobs you can find tomorrow. Tabitha, from India, took a six-month sewing course. She says, “I thought about becoming a seamstress because it would allow me to be a pioneer, since it’s a job that’s always in demand, the hours are flexible, and it doesn’t require a big investment.” And that’s exactly what happened: what she learned allowed her to earn a living and be a pioneer.

17. (a) Where can you find the information you need to make a good decision? (b) What Bible principles will help you make a decision? (See the box “Helpful Bible Principles”).

17 In this article we've looked at several factors to consider. Now, where can you find the information you need to make a good decision? If you are interested in certain studies, visit the educational center or its website to find out more details. On the other hand, find out how many job openings there are in that field. You can also talk to people who have studied something similar or who work in that field (Prov. 13:10). Ask them about the advantages and disadvantages of those studies or that job. Also, talk about this with brothers who happily serve Jehovah (Prov. 15:22). What suggestions do they give you about education and employment? Perhaps they give you an option you hadn't thought of.

What should we remember?

18 As we've seen, further studies have their pros and cons. So weigh your options and pray about it. Remember that while further study may help you achieve some financial stability, the only way to be truly happy is to have a close friendship with Jehovah (Psalm 16:9, 11). He always cares for all his servants, regardless of their level of education. (Heb. 13:5). Now, what if you have already decided to continue studying? What will help you protect your friendship with Jehovah while you do so? We will consider this in the next article.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

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

Galatians 6:5 says that “each one will carry his own load.” Therefore, regarding further study, each adult Christian must make his own decision.

How should Christians view additional studies?

Christians should view further studies as a means to support themselves and live a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly. Nothing should be more important to us than serving Jehovah.

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

The factors that a Christian should take into account are the following:

The schedule: They need to analyze how many hours a week they will dedicate to attending classes, doing practical work, and doing homework.

The duration: They should consider how many months or years it will take them to finish their studies and whether they will be making the best use of their time.

The place: They must remember that if they have to live far from their family, perhaps with relatives or other people who are not Witnesses, they could seriously endanger their spirituality.

The cost: Some studies are inexpensive or may be covered by the government. However, in other cases, further studies can be costly. Additionally, there may be extra expenses related to the training.