“For they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”

On the days I find myself without a lunch appointment, I usually see if I have a grandchild available. During the school year, I tend to join a group that eats lunch together almost every weekday. They are up there in age, and it is always informative and entertaining. These guys really care about each other. At some point during lunch I hear the conversation turn to a health-related matter. They all—me included—seem to have regular “older guy” reasons to frequent our doctors. There is great, firm, yet compassionate counsel on how to take better care of ourselves. In this verse, Solomon affirms the importance of looking out for how to prolong our lives. He would be encouraged by these guys’ love and faithfulness toward each other. His health counsel, however, is specifically tied to our love for and faithfulness to our Heavenly Father. If we live that way, the result is certainly not an easier life, but it does offer a life free from many of the social ills associated with an unfaithful life that comes with sin. Most of the lunch bunch is well off financially at this point in their lives. Solomon’s promise of peace alongside that prosperity can be the most elusive challenge they face. What an amazing gift it is to have a long life with peace. Not enough people do. Today, love God, be faithful to His call, and find peace. #BeTheEdge

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – Jesus