GUIDANCE WE NEED

 In the Bible, Jehovah God explains that he intended for humans to look to him for guidance, not to guide, or direct, themselves. (Jeremiah 10:23) That is why he has provided the moral guidelines found in the Bible. He loves the human family and wants to spare us from experiencing the harmful consequences and frustration of making important life decisions based on trial and error. (Deuteronomy5:29; 1 John 4:8) More than that, as our Creator, he has the wisdom and knowledge needed to give us the best possible moral advice. (Psalm 100:3; 104:24) Yet, God never forces people to live by his standards.

Jehovah gave the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, everything they needed to be truly happy. (Genesis 1:28, 29; 2:8, 15) He also gave them simple instructions that he expected to them to obey. However, he let them choose for themselves whether they would follow those instructions or not.  (Genesis 2:9, 16, 17) Sadly, Adam and Eve chose to live by their own standards rather than God's standards. (Genesis 3:6) What has been the result? Is the human family better off deciding for themselves right and wrong? No. History proves that ignoring God's standards does not bring lasting peace and happiness. ECCLESIASTES 8:9. 

This Bible provides the guidance we need in order to make wise moral choices, regardless of background. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; see the box "A Book for all People") Consider how the Bible does this. 

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Learn more about why the Bible can rightly be called "the Word of God." - 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13. Watch the video Who Is the Author of the Bible? on jw.org. 

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Next time: A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

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