"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it."
Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem. It is the first Psalm which describes angels as guardians of the righteous. This poem talks about people wanting to have a good life but sometimes to achieve that we make bad choices, and we do bad things, we may cheat, lie or even steal. But a good life cannot be achieved that way. Psalm 34:12-14 tells us how to achieve that life that we so desire.
Psalm 34 is attributed to David. David was a man of war, but he took time out of his busy life to counsel the young people in his land. He always prayed to the Lord for guidance. David declares his desire to praise the Lord, and expands his invitation to his people. In this verse, David talks about how to achieve a good, blessed life. He’s not questioning whether we desire life, we all do; however, a good spiritual life is what he may refer to. A life of prosperity, free from remorses and guilt, a life of faith and righteousness can only be achieved by being faithful to God. Because all the good things in life could not be truly enjoyed without the pretense of God in our lives. A comfortable spiritual life without the fear of being condemned is a life lived in Christ.
In this verse David is trying to convey that the only way to achieve true happiness in this life and the next is to be kind, to watch what we say, especially if it hurts others. We must stay away from evil and do good every change we get. Pursue peace and happiness and most of all, honor God.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 34:18
Cultivating a Life of Righteousness
David's words in Psalm 34:12-14 offer a powerful prescription for living a good life: "Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." At the heart of this message is the importance of cultivating a life of righteousness. This isn't about striving for perfection, but about aligning our hearts and actions with God's will.
The Bible reminds us that "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). When we choose to walk in righteousness, we become agents of peace and reconciliation in a world that often seems divided and chaotic. This kind of life doesn't come easily, but it's one that brings deep fulfillment and joy. By turning away from evil and doing good, we create space for God's love and light to shine through us.
So, how can we practically cultivate a life of righteousness? It starts with a daily commitment to seek God's guidance and wisdom. As we pray and read Scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of His character and will. We can then apply this wisdom to our everyday choices and actions, choosing to speak truth, act with kindness, and pursue peace in all our relationships. By doing so, we'll experience a life that's marked by purpose, joy, and a deep sense of connection to God and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What does Psalm 34:12 mean by 'who is the one who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?'?
This verse is asking a rhetorical question, assuming that everyone desires a good life. It's an invitation to reflect on what it means to truly live a fulfilling life, one that is guided by faith and righteousness. According to Psalm 34:12-14, this kind of life can be achieved by doing good, seeking peace, and pursuing it.
Q:How can I practically apply David's advice in Psalm 34:12 to my daily life?
David's advice is to 'keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.' You can apply this by being mindful of your words and actions, choosing to speak truth and kindness, and actively seeking peaceful resolutions in your relationships. This may involve self-reflection, prayer, and a commitment to living with intention.
Q:Is Psalm 34:12 only relevant to Christians, or can people from other faith backgrounds benefit from its message?
While Psalm 34:12 is rooted in Christian scripture, its message about the importance of living a virtuous life, seeking peace, and doing good is universal. People from diverse spiritual traditions can appreciate the wisdom and principles outlined in this verse, even if they interpret them through their own faith lens. The pursuit of a good life, free from harm and guilt, is a common human aspiration.
Q:How does Psalm 34:12 relate to the concept of spiritual healing and wellness?
Psalm 34:12 offers a path to spiritual healing and wellness by encouraging readers to turn away from evil and towards a life of goodness and peace. This verse suggests that our choices and actions have a profound impact on our spiritual well-being, and that choosing to live a life of faith, righteousness, and compassion can lead to a deeper sense of comfort, peace, and wholeness. This aligns with the idea that spiritual wellness is an essential aspect of overall health and happiness.
