The Watchtower, “The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter”
“At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as “tacking.” By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds.”
Par. 19: 'such development of understanding, involving “tacking” as it were, has often served as a test of loyalty for those associated with the “faithful and discreet slave.”'
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Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower, The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter
Confidence note. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; p. 27 from page marker. NOTE: the brief cited w1981 12/15 pp. 27-31; the article is in the 1 Dec 1981 issue.
Corroborated by. src-jworg-faq-doctrine-changes
Notes. Organisation's explanation of change.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-1981-1201-path-righteous-tacking