Lesson 11 How Do Bible Principles Benefit Us?
1. Why do we need guidance?
Our Creator is wiser than we are. As a loving Father, he cares for us. Also, he did not intend for us to be independent of him. (Jeremiah 10:23) So just as a small child needs the guidance of parents, we all need the guidance of God. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Bible principles provide guidance that is a gift from God.—Read 2 Timothy 3:16.
[“Read” scripture.] 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, [End of “Read” scripture.]
Jehovah’s laws and principles teach us the best way of life now and show us how we can gain everlasting rewards in the future. Since God created us, it is only right that we respond appreciatively to his guidance.—Read Psalm 19:7, 11; Revelation 4:11.
[“Read” scriptures.] Psalm 19:7: The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.
Psalm 19:11: By them your servant has been warned; In keeping them, there is a large reward.
Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.” [End of “Read” scriptures.]
2. What are Bible principles?
Bible principles are fundamental truths. Laws, on the other hand, may be for specific circumstances. (Deuteronomy 22:8) We must use thinking ability to understand how a principle applies in a particular situation. (Proverbs 2:10-12) For example, the Bible teaches that life is a gift from God. That basic principle can guide us at work, at home, and while traveling. It leads us to take safety precautions.—Read Acts 17:28.
[“Read” scripture.] Acts 17:28: For by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his children.’ [End of “Read” scripture.]
Pictures on page 22: [Image:] Bible principles applied: Mom uses child safety belt; dad & son use bike helmet; pregnant woman, worker each being cautions
Caption: How could Bible principles move us to take safety precautions?—Psalm 36:9.
3. Which two principles are primary?
Jesus spoke of two principles of prime importance. The first reveals the very purpose of human life—to know God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully. This first principle should be considered in all our decisions. (Proverbs 3:6) Those who take this principle to heart gain friendship with God, true happiness, and everlasting life.—Read Matthew 22:36-38.
[“Read” scripture.] Matthew 22:36-38: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. [End of “Read” scripture.]
The second principle can guide us into peaceful relationships with others. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Applying this second principle involves imitating God’s way of treating people.—Read Matthew 7:12; 22:39, 40.
[“Read” scriptures.] Matthew 7:12: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.
Matthew 22:39, 40: The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.” [End of “Read” scriptures.]
4. How do Bible principles benefit us?
Bible principles teach families how to be united by love. (Colossians 3:12-14) God’s Word also protects families by teaching another guiding principle—that marriage should be permanent.—Read Genesis 2:24.
[“Read” scripture.] Genesis 2:24: That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife, and they will become one flesh. [End of “Read” scripture.]
Picture on page 23: [Image:] A happy family
By following Bible teachings, we can protect our material and emotional welfare. For example, employers often prefer workers who live by the Bible principles of honesty and diligence. (Proverbs 10:4, 26; Hebrews 13:18) God’s Word also teaches us to be content with the things that are necessary and to value friendship with God above material things.—Read Matthew 6:24, 25, 33; 1 Timothy 6:8-10.
[“Read” scriptures.] Matthew 6:24, 25: “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches. “On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing?
Matthew 6:33: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.
1 Timothy 6:8-10: So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things. But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains. [End of “Read” scriptures.]
Applying Bible principles can protect our health. (Proverbs 14:30; 22:24, 25) For example, adhering to God’s law against drunkenness protects us from deadly diseases and accidents. (Proverbs 23:20) Jehovah permits us to drink alcoholic beverages but only in moderation. (Psalm 104:15; 1 Corinthians 6:10) Godly principles benefit us by teaching us to guard not just our actions but also our thoughts. (Psalm 119:97-100) Yet, true Christians do not respect God’s standards merely to benefit themselves. They do so to honor Jehovah.—Read Matthew 5:14-16.
[“Read” scripture.] Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens. [End of “Read” scripture.]

For more information, see chapters 12 and 13 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?