True Happiness

People seek happiness or “the good life” in many things. However, according to God’s wisdom, only a few things are required to achieve it.

If we truly desire a full life of peace, success, favor, and good health, here within three bible passages, is God’s prescription:

1. Proverbs 3:1-2/NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

2. Proverbs 3:3-4/NIV
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

3. Proverbs 3:7-8/NIV
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.

To practice God’s wisdom in obtaining happiness in life, we must first know:

1. God’s commands;

2. God’s definitions of love and faithfulness;

3. what it means to fear the Lord; and

4. how to identify evil, and avoid it.

We learn God’s commands by availing ourselves of His resources (i.e., the Bible; the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers; and other Holy Spirit-led, wise counselors).

Godly love and faithfulness entail traits such as compassion, kindness, humility, steadfastness, honor, empathy, sacrifice, forgiveness, and patience.

Fearing the Lord denotes reverencing and holding Him in high regard; appreciating and acknowledging Him; placing Him first in our lives; and showing Him the utmost respect He deserves.

Discerning good and evil is accomplished by the study of God’s Bible and the indwelling of His Spirit within us. Right and wrong are clearly established in His word, as well as the laws of our society that can be traced back to the Bible. In addition, hopefully, wise training in good and evil is also provided by one’s parents or guardians.

The length of time and maturity in applying these things will prove different for every believer. However, we are blessed beyond measure to have God’s grace and wisdom during our growth.