The Bible contains a wealth of wisdom and good advice that is applicable even today. As Christians, we believe that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). In this blog post, I will share some examples of good advice found in the pages of Scripture that are worth applying to our lives.
Introduction
The Bible speaks into every area of the human experience – our relationships, finances, work, emotions, priorities, and more. While the cultural contexts may have changed over the centuries, biblical principles remain timeless and relevant. Here are some key takeaways on good advice from the Bible:
- Seek wisdom and discernment from God
- Invest in eternal priorities over worldly wealth
- Forgive others as God has forgiven you
- Speak words that build up rather than tear down
- Trust God and do not worry about tomorrow
- Love others as you love yourself
- Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger
- Do everything for the glory of God
In the rest of this post, we will explore bible verses that exemplify each of these principles. By putting them into practice, we can live wise, meaningful and upright lives that honor God.
Seek Wisdom and Discernment from God
The book of Proverbs has many exhortations to pursue wisdom and discernment. This wisdom begins with reverence for God Himself. As Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) states:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Wisdom comes from submitting our lives wholly to God’s purposes and seeking after Him. It also requires actively asking Him for wisdom in all matters of life. James 1:5 (NKJV) gives us this promise:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Asking God for wisdom applies to everything – from handling relationships and emotions, to making career and financial decisions. Rather than simply following our feelings, the book of Proverbs exhorts us to seek God’s higher perspective.
Invest in Eternal Priorities Over Worldly Wealth
The Bible warns against making material possessions and wealth our priority in life. After all, we cannot take earthly riches with us when we die. Jesus himself gave this advice in Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV):
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Rather than chasing after more stuff, Christians are called to be generous and store up eternal riches by investing in things that have lasting impact – like caring for the poor, spreading the gospel and making disciples. Our heart’s affections should be set on the eternal rather than the temporal.
Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You
Often, bitterness and unforgiveness poisons our souls and robs us of joy. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) presents a better way forward:
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Because every Christian has been forgiven a spiritual debt they could never repay, we are called to extend that same grace to others when they wrong us. This includes forgiving people who are not sorry or do not “deserve” forgiveness. We can release bitterness because we know Christ has secured justice.
Speak Words That Build Up Rather Than Tear Down
Our words carry incredible power. The book of Proverbs frequently warns against using words destructively and urges us to employ them to impart life and healing instead. For example, Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) states:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Therefore, we must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). Our speech should aim to build others up according to their needs and impart grace (Ephesians 4:29). Using words positively creates an environment for healthy relationships and community.
Trust God and Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
Many times, anxiety steals our joy because we do not entrust our lives fully to God. But Jesus teaches that worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27). He reminds us that God cares for the birds and the flowers, and how much more does He care for us (Matthew 6:26, 28).
Rather than being consumed with worry, Jesus tells us this in Matthew 6:34 (NKJV):
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
When we entrust our lives to Christ daily rather than worrying about the future, we can experience deep-seated peace, security and purpose.
Love Others as You Love Yourself
Loving others well hinges on properly loving ourselves. That may seem counterintuitive, but Matthew 22:39 (NKJV) states:
“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
We tend to project onto others how we feel about ourselves. Loving ourselves well, as God designed us and gave His Son to redeem us, enables us to turn around and value others too.
Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak and Slow to Anger
The book of James has some very practical advice when it comes to relating to others. James 1:19 (NKJV) advises:
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
These wise words help us have meaningful dialogue instead of arguments. True listening requires humility and self-control. It builds trust and compassion. Often, we are quick to speak and get angry when we ought to listen patiently first.
Do Everything for the Glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) beautifully captures how our entire lives can worship God, saying:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
When we recognize God created us and deserves all glory, it reorients every activity and relationship. Our work becomes worship when we do it for God’s glory. This makes the most menial tasks take on sacred significance.
The book of Proverbs adds, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3 NKJV). Trusting our lives to Christ frees us from ego and anxiety. Everything we do flows from His worth and purposes.
Conclusion
The Bible contains a wealth of practical wisdom that translates into good advice for living. Applying biblical principles helps us develop Christlike character and virtue. They guide us into healthy patterns of relating to God, ourselves and others. We experience greater freedom, meaning and joy.
While the cultural contexts change, God’s truth remains timeless and relevant. May we meditate on God’s word so we can receive His wisdom. Then may we walk in that wisdom each day through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we do, our lives will flourish and honor our Creator.
