2. How do we benefit from knowing the truth about death?

Many people are afraid of death​—and even of the dead! But you can be comforted by what the Bible says about death. Jesus said: “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Contrary to what some religions claim, the Bible does not teach that a person has an immortal soul that lives on after death. Thus, no one suffers after death. Also, since the dead are not aware of anything, they cannot harm us. So there is no need to appease or worship the dead, and there is no need to say prayers for them.

Some people say that they can communicate with the dead. But this is impossible. As we just learned, the dead “know nothing at all.” Those who think that they are communicating with dead loved ones may actually be communicating with demons who pretend to be people who have died. So knowing the truth about death protects us from the demons. Jehovah warns us about trying to communicate with the dead because he knows that contact with the demons will harm us.​—Read Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

4. The truth about death benefits us

Knowing the truth about death frees us from fear of the dead. Read Ecclesiastes 9:10, and then discuss this question:

• Can the dead harm us?

Bible truth also protects us from the belief that the dead must be appeased or even worshipped. Read Isaiah 8:19 and Revelation 4:11, and then discuss this question:

• How do you think Jehovah feels about a person who worships or seeks the help of someone who has died?