Bible Principles​—Why Are They Important?

1-2. (a) Why can the Bible be called an ancient book? (b) Why is the Bible still relevant today?

THE Bible is an ancient book. Its writing was started some 3,500 years ago, and it was completed nearly 2,000 years ago. And yet “the word of God” found within its pages is alive and powerful today. (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Millions of people testify that the Bible has helped them to cope with life in this modern world.

² But how could such an old book still be relevant today? There are two basic reasons. First, the Bible’s message comes from the “living God,” the all-wise Creator. (1 Tim. 4:10; Rom. 16:26, 27) Second, the Bible is written in a way that reveals timeless principles. These principles remain beneficial no matter what era a person lives in or what challenges a person faces.

3. What questions will be answered in this article?

³ What are Bible principles? Why are they so important for us today? How can we identify principles when we read the Bible? This article will answer these questions. We will also see how the teachings of Jesus highlight the value of principles.

WHAT ARE BIBLE PRINCIPLES?

4. What are Bible principles?

⁴ Bible principles are basic truths on which God’s laws are based. At times, a principle may be clearly stated within the law. (Matt. 22:37) Principles are, however, superior to specific laws. Specific laws may be limited in application. They may be given for a particular time or situation. But Bible principles reflect Jehovah’s thinking in a broader sense. Principles could be described as the reason behind the law. There is a valid reason behind every one of Jehovah’s laws. But the principles on which they are based can be applied in a number of different circumstances and are timeless. (Ps. 119:111) Laws may need to change, but principles do not expire or become outdated.​—Isa. 40:8.

5. How can we illustrate the difference between laws and principles? (See also pictures.)

⁵ To help us better understand the difference between laws and principles, consider this illustration. A mother may say to a small child, ‘Don’t touch the stove.’ That is a command or a law. But the principle, or thinking, behind that law is: Don’t touch something that is hot; otherwise, you will get hurt. That principle is not just limited to a stove. It could be applied to a clothing iron, a heater, or any other hot item that could cause injury. That principle does not just apply in the family’s home but applies elsewhere too. Of course, as the child grows older, he will probably use the stove. However, he will still need to be careful not to touch it in a way that would harm him. So the law may change, but the basic principle behind it remains.

WHY ARE BIBLE PRINCIPLES IMPORTANT?

6. (a) What does Jehovah provide for us in his Word? (b) How does Jehovah dignify us?

⁶ Out of love for us, Jehovah gives us specific direction in the form of laws so that we can avoid danger. (Jas. 2:11) Additionally, he helps us to understand the principles, or the thinking, behind those laws. By means of his Word, he provides us with his guidance in many areas of life that may not be governed by specific laws. Bible principles help us to make good decisions in life and to do what is right. By providing these principles, Jehovah dignifies us and allows us the freedom to make decisions that prove our love for him and his standards.​—Gal. 5:13.

7. How can we illustrate the value of Bible principles? (See also picture.)

⁷ To illustrate how Bible principles can help us, think of the road signs that drivers see along highways in some countries. Many of these signs inform us of laws that carry penalties for those who disregard them. These signs may specify the maximum speed limit or indicate when a driver must bring his vehicle to a stop. However, many other signs alert drivers to possible dangers. For example, these signs may warn that the road might be slippery or that animals might be crossing the road. An experienced driver uses good judgment and drives cautiously when he sees signs that alert him to dangers. For example, if it is raining or snowing, the driver will adjust his driving in these dangerous conditions. Similarly, while Christians strictly avoid any conduct that is specifically condemned in God’s Word, they also avoid any thoughts or actions that could lead them to break God’s laws. This calls for good judgment on their part.

8. As mentioned at Romans 12:1, 2, what can our search for Bible principles train us to do?

⁸ However, there are other important benefits that come from searching for Bible principles and living by them. For example, we are trained to understand Jehovah’s thinking on matters. When reading accounts in the Scriptures, we learn to look for practical lessons. We ask ourselves why Jehovah included these lessons in his written Word and how we can benefit from them. In this way, we learn how to use our “power of reason” to serve Jehovah. We prove to ourselves “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”​—Read Romans 12:1, 2.a

9. What additional benefit do we gain from living by Bible principles? (Hebrews 5:13, 14)

⁹ Learning to live by Bible principles helps us to become mature Christians. When we live by Bible principles, our relationship with Jehovah improves. (Read Hebrews 5:13, 14.) Young children may need an extensive list of laws, or rules, so that they will know how to act in various situations. They may obey these rules simply out of fear of punishment. But Jehovah treats us, not as young children, but as mature adults. He trusts us to make decisions that are in harmony with his will, and when we do so, this brings great joy to his heart.​—Ps. 147:11; Prov. 23:15, 26; 27:11.

HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY BIBLE PRINCIPLES?

10. How can we identify Bible principles?

¹⁰ When we search the Bible for lessons, we find principles that help us to understand how Jehovah thinks and feels about matters. We can also identify principles when we look for the reasons behind certain laws. The more we understand the reasons, the more we understand Jehovah. But in order to understand God’s thinking, we must pray to him for help and we must develop our own thinking ability. (Prov. 2:10-12) We can ask ourselves such questions as: ‘Why did God give this law? If Jehovah does not approve of this conduct, how would he feel about similar conduct? What lesson do I learn from this Bible account, and how can I apply it in my life?’ Once we identify the reasons and the lessons behind the laws and the accounts in the Bible, we will be able to make good decisions in life​—decisions that are in harmony with Jehovah’s will.

11. In what way did Jesus show us how to identify Bible principles in his Sermon on the Mount? (See also picture.)

¹¹ In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed us how we can identify Bible principles. Let us examine three examples. In each case, Jesus first stated the law. Then he revealed the thinking, or the principle, behind that law. As we meditate on what Jesus revealed, we will see how these principles can be applied in our modern world. At the same time, we will discern the practical benefits of these life lessons.

12. What is one principle behind the law stated at Matthew 5:21, 22? (See also picture.)

¹² Read Matthew 5:21, 22. “You must not murder.” What is one principle behind this law? Jehovah does not want us to hate others​—in action, word, or even thought. Jesus indicated that even though a person may not commit an act of murder, he could still violate the reason for that law if he hates his brother. If someone “continues wrathful with his brother” or verbally abuses him, the individual who is wrathful would still be “accountable.” In fact, these are the very attitudes and actions that lead to murder.​—1 John 3:15.

13. How can we apply the principle found at Matthew 5:21, 22 in our life? (See also picture.)

¹³ How can the principle found at Matthew 5:21, 22 be applied today? We should avoid becoming resentful or holding a grudge. (Lev. 19:18; Job 36:13) Why? Because these feelings can stir up hatred in our heart, which may lead to hurtful speech or actions. (Prov. 10:12) This includes gossip and slander that can damage or ruin the reputation of others. (Prov. 20:19; 25:23) So even before there were such things as social media, blogs, the Internet, or messaging apps, Jesus provided a principle that would alert mature Christians to the possible dangers when using these modern tools. In all situations, though, we should avoid hateful speech that could lead to what is often called character assassination.

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

¹⁴ Read Matthew 5:27, 28. “You must not commit adultery.” What is the principle behind this law? Jehovah hates not only immorality but also thoughts that can lead to immoral conduct. Jesus explained that if a married man continues to look at a woman (other than his wife) in such a way as to have a passion for her, he has sinned. So immoral thoughts should be avoided at all costs, even if this requires intense effort on our part. (Matt. 5:29, 30) This principle also applies to single Christians.

15. How can the principle found at Matthew 5:27, 28 be applied today? (See also picture.)

¹⁵ How can the principle found at Matthew 5:27, 28 be applied today? We should avoid dwelling on immoral desires. (2 Sam. 11:2-4; Job 31:1-3) Obviously, then, a mature Christian avoids all forms of pornography. He does not reason that he is only looking at immorality, so he is not doing anything wrong. He does not try to excuse such activity as simply looking at “soft porn,” which some consider to be less offensive than more explicit forms of pornography. In Jesus’ day, there were no electronic devices, movies, or photographs. Even so, Jesus gave us a principle that teaches us how Jehovah feels about the material that might be published on such modern devices. This helps us understand that Jehovah would be greatly displeased by such modern practices as sexting or engaging in virtual activities that mimic sexual immorality. Heeding this principle helps a married person to avoid dealing treacherously with his or her marriage mate. (Mal. 2:15) It also helps all Christians​—married or single—​to avoid anything that could lead to sexual immorality.​—Prov. 5:3-14.

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

¹⁶ Read Matthew 5:43, 44. “You must love your neighbor.” What is the principle behind this law? Jehovah wants us to view all as our neighbor and show them love. Sadly, the Jews in Jesus’ day had misapplied this instruction to mean that they could hate their enemies. But Jesus knew that this was not the intent of this law. He knew that his loving heavenly Father expects us to view everyone as our neighbor, regardless of race or nationality.​—Matt. 5:45-48.

17. What is the benefit of applying the principle found at Matthew 5:43, 44 in our life? (See also picture.)

¹⁷ How can we apply the principle found at Matthew 5:43, 44 today? Love of neighbor will move us to refuse to get involved in this world’s wars and conflicts. (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3) It will help us to deal kindly with those who are from a different racial, national, or religious background. (Acts 10:34, 35) It will also help us to forgive others who have hurt us or have hurt those whom we love.​—Matt. 18:21, 22; Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3, 4.

BE DETERMINED TO LIVE BY BIBLE PRINCIPLES

18. (a) What should we be determined to do? (b) What will we discuss in the next article?

¹⁸ How grateful we are that Jehovah is willing to treat us as adults and not as small children! He wants us to apply Bible principles that will help us with the decisions we regularly make. (1 Cor. 14:20) As we make those decisions, let us be determined to “keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.” (Eph. 5:17) Our love for Jehovah, not fear of punishment, will help us make decisions that are in harmony with his will. But there is another gift that will help us in this endeavor. It is our conscience. That is what we will discuss in the next article.