4 Steps to Living Well
At the start of the year, everyone is looking for ways to live better. The best way to know how to live life well is to ask the One who created it. The Bible is God’s Word to us, and in it, we find everything we need to guide our lives.
The book of Proverbs is a message from a father to his son. Much like the advice we would give our own children, Proverbs touches on all areas of life from money to relationships to living a healthy life. Through a combination of instructions, warnings and advice, Proverbs provides valuable insight into who God is and how the world works.
Four Things Proverbs Teaches About Living Well
1. Practice humility
Proverbs 3:7-8 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
When our posture turns into humility before God, we’re better off than being proud. A proper respect of God is where wisdom starts (Proverbs 1:7). If we practice wisdom, we’ll avoid many kinds of circumstances and environments that could be harmful.
2. Be a learner
Proverbs 4:20-22 gives this instruction: “…Turn your ear to my words…for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
One of the best sources of advice is a person who has been around longer than we have. Listening to the words of older, wiser, and more experienced people can help us avoid problems we may not have anticipated. They’ve learned from their experience and the people they’ve known, and they can teach us a lot about a life well lived.
3. Speak fitting words
Proverbs 16:24 compares gracious words to a honeycomb, calling them “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Want to have healthy relationships? Speak kind words to friends and family. The things we say and the words we hear affect our emotional health, which in turn affects our physical bodies.
4. Redirect your attitude
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Our attitude toward other people and our circumstances goes a long way. By choosing to be joyful, we help ourselves and those around us stay positive and enjoy the life with which God has blessed us.
If you haven’t already, begin to spend some time reading the Bible and you’ll find God has lots to say to you. Not sure where to start? Check out these studies or text READ MY BIBLE to 30303 to get devotionals via text message every morning.