Anyone Here Interested in a Good Life? (Psalm 34:12)

“What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?” (Psalm 34:12 ESV)

Some critical questions are ignored, to one’s peril. Others are asked by everyone, everywhere. This is one of the latter. How might I live a good life?

It is interesting that God has expressly placed this question in the Bible for us, that we might consider it, and consider it from His point of view. He gives a “big picture answer; and He gives a more detailed answer.

The “big picture” answer is found in the previous verse: “Come, O children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” (Psalm 34:11 ESV). Everyone fears something, and most of us fear many things. But to fear the Lord is to recognize that He alone is God, sovereign and holy, and that we are accountable to Him. This is similar to the idea that everyone worships something, whether God, or something else. And I am finding that “fear” and “worship” are not all that far apart. 

So a big piece of “the good life,” according to the Bible, is to have a right view of God, which gives us a proper view of our place before Him, and a respect for His design and purpose in His creation and in His creatures, including our own selves.

The more detailed answer follows our critical question. It is divided into three parts. The first part says, “Watch your mouth.” Do not be malicious, and do not be a liar. It is a statement of restraint. If you want to live a good life, you will have to learn how to practice restraint. The second part says, Take charge of your doings. “Turn away from evil, and do good.” We are responsible for what we do, and at the final judgment, we will not be able to blame anyone else for our bad behaviors. Notice also that it doesn’t say, “do something neutral.” It says, “do good.” You will have to let God help you determine what that “good” is. He is willing to help, and He already has given quite a bit of instruction. Thirdly, “seek peace and pursue it.” Practically and personally, don’t go around generating conflict. But also, in keeping with the Gospel, direct people to the only peace that lasts, peace with God through faith in Christ, who has reconciled us in such as way that we who were enemies can now be, in fact, members of the family of God. 

The text goes on to say that God is watching, and God is listening. He is hoping you find the good life, and that you live it.