Almost everyone agrees that some actions are clearly right or definitely wrong. For example, murder, rape, and child sexual abuse are widely condemned, while fairness, kindness, and empathy are widely praised. But in other areas of life​—even situations involving sexuality, honesty, or parenting—​many people believe that there is no right or wrong option. They think that almost any choice is acceptable. People often make their decisions based on how they feel and how those around them feel about the matter. Is that always a reliable approach?

HOW WE FEEL

We are often guided by how we feel, or our internal sense of right and wrong, which is commonly called our conscience. (Romans 2:14, 15) Even from a young age, children can recognize the difference between fair and unfair behavior and even feel guilt. Over time, our conscience is shaped by the values we learn from our family, peers, teachers, community, religion, and culture. When we make decisions, our conscience tells us whether our choice matches our values or not.

Our sense of right and wrong can move us to show empathy, gratitude, fairness, and compassion toward others. It can also hold us back from doing things that could hurt those we care about or that might cause us embarrassment, shame, and guilt.

Is how we feel always a reliable guide? As a young man, Garrick pursued a life where, as he said, “I could establish my own standards.” He found, however, that doing what he felt was right did not lead to good results. He came to embrace a lifestyle that he later described as “a very dark path of immorality, drug abuse, drunkenness, and a lot of violence.”

HOW OTHER PEOPLE FEEL

In addition to our own feelings, we are often guided by how others will view our decisions. That can allow us to benefit from their experience and wisdom. We win the respect of our family, friends, and community when we do what they think is right.

Is how other people feel always a reliable guide? As a young woman, Priscila did what was popular among her peers and freely engaged in premarital sex. She found, though, that doing what others view as right did not make her happier. She said: “Doing what everyone else was doing didn’t make me feel good. It led me to take unwise and careless risks.”

IS THERE A BETTER WAY?

When we decide between right and wrong, our feelings and the feelings of others play a valuable role. But that guidance alone does not always lead to a good outcome. We can become victims of our own shortsightedness, failing to see the harm that our choices may cause to us or others. (Proverbs 14:12) And there is no guarantee that our values or the values of those around us are truly good for us and will not need to change. After all, certain behavior once viewed as wrong is now commonly accepted, while conduct previously thought of as acceptable is now viewed as improper.

Is there a better guide for deciding what is right and what is wrong? Is there a moral standard we can follow today that will not leave us disappointed years from now?

Thankfully, there is a source for consistent and reliable moral guidance that works for everyone everywhere. The next article will discuss where we can find the most reliable guide for determining right and wrong.

GUIDANCE WE NEED

In the Bible, Jehovaha 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. (Deuteronomy 5:29; 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 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 what is right and wrong? No. History proves that ignoring God’s standards does not bring lasting peace and happiness.​—Ecclesiastes 8:9.

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

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.

HOW THE BIBLE REVEALS GOD’S GUIDANCE

The Bible is an accurate record of Jehovah’s dealings with humankind. What it contains helps us to discern what God views as right and wrong, beneficial and harmful. (Psalm 19:7, 11) We learn timeless principles that help us to make wise moral choices in our daily lives.

For example, consider the advice found at Proverbs 13:20: “The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.” That principle is just as applicable in our modern world as it was in ancient times. The Bible is full of such practical and valuable principles.​—See the box “The Bible’s Timeless Wisdom.”

But you may wonder, ‘How can I be sure that the Bible’s moral guidance works today?’ The next article will consider some real-life examples.

1. Marriage

People have different views about marriage and about what it takes to have a happy marriage.

MEANING: Marriage is an arrangement that God originated, so he knows what is needed for a couple to be happy. (Mark 10:6-9) Happiness results when marriage mates focus, not on what each one gets, but on what each one can give to strengthen their marriage. A husband who loves his wife will show it by the way he treats her and cares for her. And a wife who respects her husband will show it by the way she speaks and acts.

BIBLE GUIDANCE WORKS: Quang and Thi, from Vietnam, felt trapped in their unhappy marriage. Quang was often unkind. He says: “I didn’t care about Thi’s feelings and often humiliated her.” Thi wanted a divorce. She said: “I felt that I could no longer trust or respect my husband.”

Eventually, Quang and Thi learned what the Bible teaches and how to apply Ephesians 5:33 in their marriage. “This verse helped me to see the need to be kind,” says Quang, “and to make Thi feel loved and cared for materially, physically, and emotionally. When I act that way, I gain her love and respect.” And Thi says, “The more I apply Ephesians 5:33 and show my husband respect, the more he makes me feel loved, protected, and at peace.”

2. How to Treat Others

People often mistreat others because of their race, nationality, appearance, religion, or sexual orientation.

MEANING: The Bible does not condone racism, homophobia, or xenophobia. Instead, it encourages us to be respectful of all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or social standing. (Acts 10:34) Even if we disagree with what others believe or how they act, we can still treat them with kindness and respect.​—Matthew 7:12.

BIBLE GUIDANCE WORKS: Daniel was taught to view people from Asia as a threat to his country. He came to hate anyone from an Asian background and would often insult them in public. “I justified my behavior as ‘patriotism,’” says Daniel. “I didn’t even consider that the way I thought or acted was wrong.”

Daniel eventually learned what the Bible teaches. “I had to change my thinking totally,” says Daniel. “I had to see people the way God does​—that we are all the same no matter where we come from.” Daniel describes how he feels now when he meets people. He says: “I often don’t even think about where they are from. I love people of all sorts now and have close friends from all over the world.”

For more information, read Awake! No. 3 2020, entitled “Is There a Cure for Prejudice?” on jw.org.

3. Money

Many people pursue wealth in order to be happy and have a better future.

MEANING: We need money, but it cannot guarantee our happiness or our future. (Proverbs 18:11; 23:4, 5) Instead, genuine happiness and a secure future depend on applying wisdom from God as found in the Bible.​—1 Timothy 6:17-19.

BIBLE GUIDANCE WORKS: Cardo, a man in Indonesia, focused on acquiring wealth. “I enjoyed what most people dream of,” he said. “I was able to travel and to buy luxury goods, cars, and houses.” Such prosperity did not last. “I was defrauded, and the money I had worked so hard for all those years was gone in the blink of an eye,” says Cardo. “I had spent my life pursuing wealth, but in the end, all I got were feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, and disappointment.”

Cardo began to apply the Bible’s advice on money. He no longer focuses all his energy on building wealth but chooses to lead a simpler life. “The true and lasting treasure is of a spiritual nature,” he says. “I can sleep well every night, and I am truly happy.”

For information on the Bible’s view of money, read the article “Can Education and Money Guarantee a Secure Future?” in The Watchtower No. 3 2021, on jw.org.

4. Sex

People have a wide variety of opinions on what is sexually acceptable.

MEANING: The Bible limits how we are to express our sexual desires. The term “sexual immorality” includes adultery, prostitution, sexual relations between unmarried individuals, homosexuality, and bestiality. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Sexual relations are a gift from God that he intended exclusively for a man and woman who are married to each other.​—Proverbs 5:18, 19.

BIBLE GUIDANCE WORKS: A woman in Australia named Kylie says: “As a single person, I thought that if I had sex, I would then feel loved and secure. But the opposite happened. I felt insecure and heartbroken.”

Later, Kylie learned and applied what the Bible teaches about sex. “I can see that God’s standards are there to prevent pain and hurt,” she says. “I now feel secure and loved because of doing things in the way Jehovah wants us to. Applying the Bible’s guidance has saved me from so much heartache!”

Our Creator helps us to know what is right and wrong. Although sticking to his moral guidelines is not always easy, it is worth the effort. We can trust that it will always result in our long-term happiness.

As our Creator, God knows the best way we should live. He invites us to follow his guidance because it will be for our good. When we follow God’s commands, we will not have to wonder whether our choice will result in good. We will always be making the right choice, the one that leads to peace and happiness.

Living by God’s moral standards may require changes in how we think and act. However, Jehovah is not asking too much of us. After all, as our Creator, he knows what we are capable of. And as we come to know Jehovah, we will find that “his commandments are not burdensome.”​—1 John 5:3.

We can measure up to God’s moral standards because he will help us. He can assist us through his Word, the Bible, which gives us encouragement and hope.

Millions of people around the world have found that living by Bible standards has improved their lives. Why not learn more about the good advice the Bible has to offer? You can begin by considering the Bible-based brochure Enjoy Life Forever! available free of charge on jw.org. It contains these lessons:

• How Can the Bible Help You?

• The Bible Gives Hope

• Can You Trust the Bible?

As you investigate God’s Word, the Bible, you will discover that it is not out-of-date; it is “always reliable, now and forever.” (Psalm 111:8) Following the moral standards found in the Bible is the best way for us to live. However, God will not force us to do so. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Joshua 24:15) It is a choice that each of us must make.

In our rapidly changing world, how can you be certain that the choices you make will result in good? How can you be sure that what is considered right today won’t be considered wrong tomorrow?

The Bible can help you make choices that you will never regret. How is that possible? The Bible is from our Creator, and he knows what will make us truly happy and secure.

We can trust the practical wisdom found in the Bible. It is “always reliable, now and forever.”​—Psalm 111:8.