Proverbs 10:27: The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. (NIV)
Do you want to live a long life? Certainly most people desire a long life. The Bible reveals the secret to living a long life. That secret is, The fear of the Lord adds length to life. Also in Psalm 91:16 the desire of God in this area is revealed when God says, With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. To fear the Lord means that you will reverence and respect the Lord. You will recognize that He is God Almighty. You will put him first in your life. You will obey his commandments and you will honor him in all your ways. You will understand that it is dangerous to exalt your will above the will of God.
As you walk in the fear of the Lord, God will teach you his knowledge and wisdom. As you apply that knowledge and wisdom to your life, God will add length to your life. Listen to what the writer of Proverbs said in 9:10-11: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Many Christians believe that Scripture teaches that everyone has an appointed time to die. The book of Hebrews teaches us that it is appointed to men to die once. But nothing is said about the time. God teaches us through the book of Proverbs that your life can lengthened or shortened.
If God wants to add years to our lives, why do so many devout believers die prematurely? Did they have some hidden wickedness that no one knew of? These are difficult questions. It is obvious that some believers who love God with all their hearts die prematurely. Then some wicked people seem to live long lives in great prosperity.
I will never pretend to have all the answers to all the questions. But I will be faithful to proclaim the Word of God. And his Word says that if you fear God, God will add length to your life.
We need long lives because there is much work to do in the kingdom of God. Many are perishing without the knowledge of God. Choose today to fear God. Then use those extra days not to pamper the flesh, but to do the will of God.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org