Watchtower Study, Why Are Bible Principles Important? Week of July 6-12, 2026, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, Why Are Bible Principles Important? July 6-12, 2026, Comments and Answers.

“They will perform a sacred service with their reasoning ability” (ROM. 12:1).

1, 2. a) Why can we say that the Bible is a very old book?

We can say that the Bible is a very old book because it began to be written about 3,500 years ago and was completed almost 2,000 years ago. Although it was written in times very different from our own, it remains “the Word of God,” which is alive and powerful. For this reason, it continues to help millions of people face the challenges of life today.

1, 2. b) Why is the Bible still relevant?

The Bible remains relevant for two reasons. First, because its message comes from Jehovah, the “living God,” the wisest being in the universe and our Creator, who perfectly understands human nature and our needs. Second, because it contains principles that never change and remain useful regardless of the era or the challenges we face.

3. What questions will this article answer?

This article will primarily answer these three questions: What are biblical principles? Why are they so important to us? And how can we identify them when we read the Bible? Furthermore, it will show how Jesus' teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, highlight the value of these principles.

WHAT ARE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?

4. What are biblical principles?

Biblical principles are fundamental truths that underpin God's laws. They could be described as the reasons behind those laws and reflect Jehovah's way of thinking.

Unlike laws, which tend to be more specific and apply to concrete situations, principles have a broader application and can guide us in different circumstances and eras. While laws may change, principles never become outdated or obsolete.

5. What example could be used to explain the difference between laws and principles? (See also the images).

The difference between laws and principles can be explained with the example of a mother telling her young child, “Don’t touch the stove.” That is a law or a specific instruction to protect him.

The principle behind this rule is to avoid touching any hot object that could cause injury or burns. This principle applies not only to stovetop flames, but also to irons, heaters, and other hot appliances.

As the child grows older, they may be able to use the kitchen, so the specific law may change. However, the principle of acting with care to avoid injury will still apply.

ILLUSTRATION

Images of a woman with her son in the kitchen. 1. While she cooks, she warns her young son not to touch the fire so he doesn't get burned. 2. Years later, she prepares a salad while he cooks.

The law may change, but the basic principle behind it does not. (See paragraph 5).

WHY ARE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES IMPORTANT?

6. a) How does Jehovah guide us through his Word?

Jehovah guides us through his Word in various ways. He gives us specific laws that help us avoid dangers and bad decisions. He also enables us to understand the principles behind those laws, which guide us in different aspects of life where there are no specific rules. Thanks to Bible principles, we can make good decisions and do what is right.

6. b) How does Jehovah dignify us?

Jehovah dignifies us by granting us the freedom and responsibility to make decisions based on Bible principles. In this way, we show that we love him and respect his standards, not simply because we are forced to obey, but because we want to please him.

7. Explain the value of biblical principles with an example (see also the image).

Biblical principles can be compared to traffic signs. Some signs indicate specific rules that drivers must obey, while others warn of potential dangers so they should act with caution.

Similarly, Bible principles not only help us avoid conduct that the Bible clearly condemns, but they also enable us to identify situations or attitudes that could lead us to disobey Jehovah. By applying these principles, we demonstrate good judgment and make decisions that protect our friendship with God.

ILLUSTRATION

A car is driving at night along a winding mountain road. Its headlights illuminate several hazard signs.

Many traffic signs warn of potential hazards. Bible principles help us in a similar way. (See paragraph 7.)

8. According to Romans 12:1, 2, how does seeking the principles contained in the Bible benefit us?

When we strive to find the principles contained in the Bible and live in harmony with them, we learn to think like Jehovah on various matters. By analyzing the accounts in the Scriptures, we seek to draw practical lessons and understand why they were included in the Bible.

Furthermore, we learn to use our reasoning ability to serve Jehovah and we prove for ourselves what his good, pleasing, and perfect will is, as mentioned at Romans 12:1, 2.

9. What other benefit do we receive from living in harmony with Bible principles? (Hebrews 5:13, 14).

Living in harmony with Bible principles helps us to reach Christian maturity. By applying them, we develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, as Hebrews 5:13, 14 mentions, and our relationship with Jehovah improves.

Furthermore, Jehovah demonstrates his trust in us by allowing us to make decisions based on principles, not simply by following a list of rules. When we act in harmony with his will, we demonstrate our love for him and it makes our hearts happy.

HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?

10. How can we identify biblical principles?

We can identify Bible principles by looking for the lessons contained in Bible accounts and by analyzing the reasons behind Jehovah’s laws. To do this, we must ask for his help in prayer and develop our thinking ability.

We can also ask ourselves questions such as: “Why did God establish this law?”, “What does this account teach us about Jehovah’s way of thinking?”, and “How can I apply this lesson in my life?”

By finding the reasons and lessons behind Bible laws and accounts, we will better understand Jehovah's will and be able to make wiser decisions.

11. How did Jesus teach us in his Sermon on the Mount to identify biblical principles? (See also the image.)

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to identify Bible principles by first stating a law and then revealing the underlying idea or principle. By meditating on what he revealed, we can better understand Jehovah’s way of thinking and how to apply those principles in different life situations. Furthermore, we can see the practical benefits of those lessons.

ILLUSTRATION

Jesus sitting under a tree teaching a group of disciples.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to identify the biblical principles behind God's laws. (See paragraph 11.)

12. What is one of the principles behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:21, 22? (See also the picture.)

One of the principles behind the “Do Not Murder” law is that Jehovah does not want us to hate others, whether through our actions, words, or even our thoughts. He looks not only at what we do, but also at what we say and what is in our hearts.

Jesus explained that a person may not commit murder, but if they harbor hatred, anger, or contempt toward their brother, they are acting against the principle behind that law. These attitudes and actions can lead a person to commit murder.

13. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:21, 22 in our lives? (See also the image.)

We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:21, 22 by fighting against resentment and bitterness. We must prevent these feelings from growing in our hearts, as they can lead us to say things or do actions that hurt others.

This means avoiding gossip, slander, and any kind of language that could damage a person's reputation. We must also be careful how we use social media, the internet, and messaging apps to avoid spreading hateful or harmful comments.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A text box displays the words: “Do not murder.” 2. Two sisters are gossiping while another listens with an uncomfortable expression.

(See paragraphs 12 and 13).

14. What principle is behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:27, 28? (See also the picture.)

The principle behind the law “Do not commit adultery” is that Jehovah not only expects us to avoid immoral sexual conduct, but also to keep our thoughts and desires clean.

Jesus explained that a person can sin in their heart by harboring immoral desires, even if they haven't committed a wrong act. Therefore, however difficult it may be, we must strive to reject immoral thoughts at all costs.

15. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:27, 28 in our lives? (See also the image.)

We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:27-28 by avoiding feeding immoral desires and rejecting any content or situation that might arouse those desires. This includes avoiding pornography, sexually suggestive content, and any practice that promotes immoral thoughts.

Although electronic media did not exist in Jesus' time, the principle he taught helps us to understand that Jehovah wants us to guard our mind and heart.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A text box quotes these words: “Do not commit adultery.” 2. A brother deletes a social media account from his phone.

(See paragraphs 14 and 15).

16. What principle is behind the law mentioned in Matthew 5:43, 44? (See also the picture.)

The principle behind the law “Love your neighbor” is that Jehovah wants us to see all people as our neighbor and treat them with love, regardless of their race, nationality, or any other difference.

Jesus explained that the purpose of this law was not to love only those we like or to allow us to hate our enemies, as some Jews taught. The purpose was to reflect the impartial love of our Heavenly Father and to consider others as our neighbors.

17. How can we apply the principle of Matthew 5:43, 44 in our lives? (See also the picture.)

We can apply the principle of Matthew 5:43, 44 by showing love to our neighbor in all circumstances. This involves remaining neutral in the conflicts and wars of this world and treating people with kindness and respect regardless of their race, nationality, or religion. Furthermore, we can forgive those who harm us or our loved ones.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A text box quotes these words: “Love your neighbor.” 2. A married couple is preaching to a man of another race in a marketplace and shows him the pamphlet “Enjoy Life.”

(See paragraphs 16 and 17).

RESOLVED TO LIVE ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

18. a) What should we be determined to do?

We should be determined to use Bible principles to make good decisions every day and to understand Jehovah’s will. Our desire should be to please him out of love, not out of fear of punishment.

18. b) What will we talk about in the next article?

In the next article, we will discuss another gift Jehovah has given us to help us make good decisions: our conscience. We will see how it can work together with Bible principles to guide us in our daily lives.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What is a biblical principle?

A Bible principle is a fundamental truth that serves as the basis for God's laws. It could be said to be the reason behind his laws and reflects Jehovah's way of thinking. Because principles express his values, they can be applied to different circumstances and times.

What is the difference between principles and laws?

Laws tend to be more specific and apply to concrete situations, while principles have a broader application and reflect enduring values. Therefore, laws can change, but principles never expire or become outdated.

What are some principles that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount?

Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Do not murder,” which shows us that Jehovah looks not only at our actions, but also at our words, thoughts, and motivations.

Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Do not commit adultery,” which reminds us that Jehovah wants us to keep our thoughts and desires clean, avoiding anything that could lead to sexual immorality.

Jesus taught the principle behind the law “Love your neighbor,” which emphasizes that we should treat all people with love, regardless of their race or nationality, thus reflecting the impartial love of our Heavenly Father.