Scripture Reading

Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Insight on the Word

Almost everyone dreams of having a long life that is filled with health and prosperity. The truth is long life is just one of the blessings, that the Lord gives to those who follow Him. This passage list three blessings that the child of God may enjoy.

1) Length of days (Proverbs 3:2,16; 4:10; 9:11); 2) Long life (Psalms 91:16) and 3) Peace (Isaiah 26:3). These blessings and many others are given to the believer who does not forget God’s law, but keeps His commandments. The Hebrew word “natsar” translated keep in this passage means to watch or guard. We are to watch and observe our lives for opportunities to put into practice God’s laws. And, we are to guard ourselves against the adversary who would lead us into disobedience of God’s word.

It is not God’s will that men’s lives be cut short here on this earth. (John 10:10) Tragically some violate God’s laws through a bad diet or abuse to their body with alcohol or illegal drugs. Indeed because of the sins of others, some are murdered and sadly some become so discouraged they take their own lives. But this is not the lot of the child of God! The psalmist declared: “With long life will I satisfy him,…” (Psalm 91:16)

Want a long life? Keeping the commands of God insures that our days will be long upon the earth. No one’s life was ever cut short by loving God, his neighbor and himself! No one has ever regretted living a life of honor, respect, dignity, self-restraint, modesty, righteousness, regard for others, and reverence toward God. No these are the good things of life. They are the lifestyle of those who keep the commandments. And when we live this kind of life we have God’s promise of “length of days, and long life.”

Speak the Word — I keep God’s commands, I will live a long life! (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Daily Bible Reading — Exodus 25 – 27