... Eccl. 9:5

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing... - Eccl. 9:5 [King James Version]

That seems pretty clear. My father lost his 3-year old brother in a drowning accident. His mother was not one of Jehovah's Witnesses yet. Her pastor told her that "God took your son to be an angel in heaven, and he [the son] is looking down on you with love."

Have you heard such things yourself from your pracher or priest? That clearly conflicts with the Bible's simple statement above! Isn't it much more comforting to know that your loved ones, in death, are not suffering elsewhere or playing a harp on a cloud. They are no longer in pain. Even those who have taken their own life are no longer suffering from their mental or physical disabilities. Robin Williams or Anthony Bourdain or Amy Winehouse and other famous people that have died through suicide or overdose are not flitting about with wings, looking for people to help or harm

But, people cling to that belief so tenaciously. It's just expedient to believe that we continue on after death, in whatever realm or in a sixth sense. How does God feel about the very first lie, "You will not die" still enslaving people to misconceptions about death.

My wife and I used to go to this Thai restaurant. When we got out of the car, we would pass by a small little table, set in the handicapped zone. On it was food and drink, just sitting there. It was an offering to a dead loved one, that the cook or restarant owner wanted to placate and please lest they be malevolent and wreak havoc on them.

The world is truly "lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19), the true ruler of this world. But, soon, "...the ruler of this world will be cast out." (John 12:31) That is something to look forward to. Meanwhile, "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not..." (2 Cor. 2:4) [King James Verion]

8.6 million Jehovah's Witnesses are busy world-wide shining the light of truth to all who sincerely want to serve Jehovah. The scripture above has brought comfort to so many grieving ones. jw.org shares many truths from God's Word that helps all of us.

Stay safe!